You have 0 free disease views remaining today. Register for more view, it is 100% free →
polycystic ovary syndrome
ICD-10 Codes
Related ICD-10:
Description
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including:
- Irregular periods: Women with PCOS often experience infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles, which can be caused by an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
- Hormonal imbalance: PCOS is associated with high levels of male hormones (androgens), which can lead to symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and male pattern baldness.
- Weight gain and obesity: Many women with PCOS experience weight gain and obesity, particularly around the midsection.
- Infertility: PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women, due to ovulation problems and hormonal imbalances.
According to various sources [1][2], PCOS can also lead to other symptoms such as:
- Acne: Due to high levels of androgens
- Excess hair growth: On the face, chest, back, and buttocks
- Male pattern baldness: Thinning or loss of hair on the scalp
- Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
PCOS is a heterogeneous condition [3], meaning that it can manifest differently in different women. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many symptoms can be managed, and fertility can be improved.
References:
[1] PCOS is a common type of hormone imbalance in people assigned female at birth. It can cause irregular periods, weight gain, infertility, acne and excess hair growth (Source: [2]) [2] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a woman's ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal (Source: [3]) [3] PCOS is a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. The 3 main features of PCOS are: irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries (Source: [4])
Additional Characteristics
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Irregular periods
- Infertility
- Hormonal imbalance
- Male pattern baldness
- Weight gain and obesity
- Excess hair growth
Signs and Symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The signs and symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, but here are some common indicators:
- Irregular periods: Missing periods or having periods that aren't regular are common signs of PCOS [1].
- Weight gain: Many women with PCOS experience weight gain, particularly around the midsection [3].
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism): Unwanted facial and bodily hair is a common symptom of PCOS [5].
- Acne: Women with PCOS often experience acne due to hormonal imbalances [7].
- Darkening of the skin: Acanthosis nigricans, a condition characterized by darkened skin in body creases, can be a sign of PCOS [8].
- Hair loss: Thinning hair and hair loss from the head are also common symptoms of PCOS [5].
- Oily skin: Some women with PCOS may experience oily skin due to hormonal imbalances [7].
It's essential to note that not all women with PCOS will exhibit all of these symptoms, and some may have additional signs not listed here. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you might have PCOS, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References: [1] - Symptoms · Irregular periods. Having few menstrual periods or having periods that aren't regular are common signs of PCOS. [3] - Find out about the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including irregular or absent periods, weight gain, fertility problems, thinning hair and ... [5] - excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks; weight gain; thinning hair and hair loss from the head; oily skin or acne. [7] - May 15, 2024 — Symptoms of PCOS · Acne. · Hair growth. · Darkening of the skin in body creases, known as acanthosis nigricans. · Irregular periods. · Weight gain. [8] - Jun 28, 2023 — signs or symptoms of high androgens (unwanted facial or bodily hair, loss of hair from the head, acne or an elevated blood level of testosterone) ...
Additional Symptoms
- Acne
- Irregular periods
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
- Oily skin
- darkening of skin
- weight gain
- hair loss
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that can be challenging to diagnose. While there's no single test to specifically diagnose PCOS, a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests for PCOS
- Physical Exam: A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in diagnosing PCOS. Healthcare providers will look for signs such as irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth [1][3].
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS. These may include measurements of testosterone, prolactin, 17-OH progesterone, LH, FSH, and estradiol levels [5][6].
- Ultrasound Scan: An ultrasound scan can show the presence of polycystic ovaries, which are a characteristic feature of PCOS. However, not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, and some women without PCOS may also have this condition [3][4].
Diagnostic Criteria for PCOS
To diagnose PCOS, healthcare providers typically look for the presence of any two of the following three criteria:
- Menstrual Irregularities: Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods
- Clinical or Biochemical Hyperandrogenism: Excess hair growth, acne, and other symptoms associated with high levels of male hormones
- Polycystic Ovaries: The presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries as seen on an ultrasound scan [4][5]
Additional Tests
In some cases, healthcare providers may also perform additional tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to PCOS. These may include thyroid function tests, prolactin levels, and serum 17-OH progesterone measurements [8][9].
References:
[1] Sep 8, 2022 — There's no single test to specifically diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your health care provider is likely to start with a ...
[3] A GP or specialist may request an ultrasound scan, which can show if you have a high number of cysts in your ovaries (polycystic ovaries).
[4] Sep 5, 2018 — There's no single test for it, but a physical exam, ultrasound, and blood tests can help diagnose PCOS. You need to meet 2 of these 3 "official" ...
[5] by ES Dason · 2024 · Cited by 16 — Diagnosis of PCOS can be made based on the presence of any 2 of menstrual irregularities, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism or polycystic ...
[8] PCOS is a common type of hormone imbalance in people assigned female at birth. It can cause irregular periods, weight gain, infertility, acne and excess ...
Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Physical Exam
- Blood Tests
- Ultrasound Scan
Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, causing a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, cysts on the ovaries, and excess hair growth. While there is no cure for PCOS, various medications can help manage its symptoms.
Medications Used to Treat PCOS:
- Metformin: This medication is commonly used to treat PCOS-related insulin resistance and metabolic issues. It belongs to a class of medication known as biguanides, which work by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity [4]. Metformin may also help reduce symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and male pattern baldness.
- Spironolactone: This medication is used to treat PCOS-related hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne. It works by blocking the effects of androgens (male hormones) on the body [5].
- Eflornithine: This topical cream is used to treat PCOS-related hirsutism. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of androgen.
- Letrozole (Femara): This medication is commonly used to treat PCOS-related infertility. It works by stimulating ovulation and increasing estrogen levels in the body [7].
- Clomiphene: This medication is also used to stimulate ovulation and increase estrogen levels in the body. However, it may not be as effective as letrozole for treating PCOS-related infertility.
Other Medications Used to Treat PCOS:
- Oral contraceptives: These medications can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms such as acne and hirsutism.
- Prednisone: This medication is used to treat PCOS-related inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
- Leuprolide: This medication is used to treat PCOS-related endometriosis and other gynecological conditions.
It's essential to note that medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as they may have side effects and interact with other medications. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can also help manage PCOS symptoms.
References:
[4] Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication prescribed to treat people with these problems. [5] Drugs used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) include metformin (off-label use), spironolactone, eflornithine (topical cream to treat hirsutism) [7] Femara (letrozole) is commonly used to treat PCOS-related infertility and is now a first-line intervention recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Recommended Medications
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that can be challenging to diagnose due to its broad differential diagnosis. The following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PCOS:
- Ovarian hyperthecosis: A rare ovarian tumor that can cause androgen excess, similar to PCOS [1].
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (late-onset): A genetic disorder that affects the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, leading to androgen excess and other symptoms similar to PCOS [2].
- Obesity: While not a direct cause of PCOS, obesity can exacerbate symptoms such as insulin resistance and androgen excess [6].
- Diabetes: Insulin resistance is a common feature in both PCOS and diabetes, making it an important condition to consider in the differential diagnosis [6].
- Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth due to androgen excess can be a symptom of PCOS, but also occurs in other conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing's syndrome [8].
- Menstrual disorders: Irregular menstrual cycles are a hallmark of PCOS, but also occur in other conditions such as thyroid disease and tumor [8].
Key Points to Consider
- There is no single test for diagnosing PCOS; diagnosis is based on symptoms, blood tests, and physical examination [7].
- The differential diagnosis of PCOS includes both endocrinologic and malignant etiologies [4].
- Initial investigations and differential diagnoses for polycystic ovarian syndrome are listed in Table 1 [5].
References
[1] Nov 27, 2023 - Consider the following in the differential diagnosis of PCOS: Ovarian hyperthecosis. [2] Aug 3, 2024 - Some medical conditions can't simply be diagnosed with a blood test, biopsy, culture, or other forms of diagnostic testing. [3] Jul 28, 2023 - Definition, clinical features, and differential diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents. [4] by T WILLIAMS · 2016 · Cited by 240 — The differential diagnosis of PCOS is broad and includes both endocrinologic and malignant etiologies. ... Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. [5] by ES Dason · 2024 · Cited by 16 — Table 1: Initial investigations and differential diagnoses for polycystic ovarian syndrome. [6] by DE Lane · 2006 · Cited by 112 — It should be in the differential diagnosis of PCOS, obesity, diabetes, hirsutism, and menstrual disorders. [7] Nov 7, 2023 - There is no single test for diagnosing PCOS. You may be diagnosed with PCOS based upon your symptoms, blood tests, and a physical examination. [8] by C WELLBERY · 2007 — The differential diagnosis includes congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid disease, and tumor.
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome
- abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome 4
- aromatase excess syndrome
- cortisone reductase deficiency 2
- cortisone reductase deficiency 1
- glucose intolerance
- estrogen excess
- obsolete gestational diabetes complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium
- anovulation
- infertility
- Hirsutism
- Thyroid disease
- Tumor
- Menstrual disorders
- Ovarian hyperthecosis
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (late-onset)
- obsolete diabetes
- obsolete Cushing's syndrome
- hyperprolactinemia
- obesity
Additional Information
- rdf-schema#domain
- https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_7682
- owl#annotatedSource
- t398311
- oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
- disease_ontology
- rdf-schema#comment
- OMIM mapping confirmed by DO. [SN].
- oboInOwl#id
- DOID:11612
- core#notation
- DOID:11612
- oboInOwl#hasDbXref
- UMLS_CUI:C0032460
- IAO_0000115
- An ovarian dysfunction that is characterized by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, anovulation and excessive body weight.
- oboInOwl#hasExactSynonym
- Stein-Leventhal syndrome
- rdf-schema#label
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- oboInOwl#inSubset
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/doid#NCIthesaurus
- rdf-schema#subClassOf
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/DOID_1414
- relatedICD
- http://example.org/icd10/E28.2
- 22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
- http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.