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== Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) == | == Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) == | ||
Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterised by oligomenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation. It’s a common disorder, as it affects approx. 10% of women. It’s the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in females. | <section begin="clinical biochemistry" />Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterised by oligomenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation. It’s a common disorder, as it affects approx. 10% of women. It’s the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in females. | ||
Symptoms usually begin in adolescence. | Symptoms usually begin in adolescence. | ||
<section end="clinical biochemistry" /> | |||
=== Risk factors === | === Risk factors === | ||
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The chronic anovulation is a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. | The chronic anovulation is a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. | ||
<section begin="clinical biochemistry" /> | |||
=== Diagnosis and evaluation === | === Diagnosis and evaluation === | ||
We should test for biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, by measuring serum androgens. We can also measure an LH:FSH ratio of > 3:1. | We should test for biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, by measuring serum androgens. We can also measure an LH:FSH ratio of > 3:1. | ||
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After diagnosis, we should screen for diabetic, cardiovascular, and hepatic complications. | After diagnosis, we should screen for diabetic, cardiovascular, and hepatic complications. | ||
<section end="clinical biochemistry" /> | |||
=== Differential diagnosis === | === Differential diagnosis === | ||
It’s important to rule out other causes of oligomenorrhoea: | It’s important to rule out other causes of oligomenorrhoea: |