What is the best way to diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed for women of childbearing age presenting with 2 of the following: 1)oligo- or anovulatory menstrual irregularities, 2) evidence of hyperandrogenism in the absence of secondary cause; 3) enlarged ovaries with multiple small follicular cysts on transvaginal ultrasound (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion). Depending on the clinical presentation, secondary causes should be excluded (SOR: C, expert opinion). While not among the diagnostic criteria, insulin resistance is common, and patients with PCOS should be evaluated for metabolic abnormalities, particularly hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance or diabetes (SOR: B, based on prospective cohort studies).