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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is regarded as the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women; stigmata of hyperandrogenism and menstrual dysfunction, and chronicity of complaints are recognized as hallmarks of PCOS. Beyond the presenting complaints, PCOS has long-term health implications and should be regarded as a pre-morbid state. Early diagnosis of PCOS thus allows an opportunity of instituting preventive care strategies with the goal of reducing long-term risks such as of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. A number of clinical conditions can, however, mimic the clinical presentation of PCOS. This chapter underscores that diagnosis of PCOS remains one of exclusion, after systematic evaluation for a spectrum of disparate conditions, each of which entails a distinct management strategy very different from that utilized for managing PCOS. The authors herein present a succinct approach to the evaluation of a patient presenting with features of hyperandrogenism and menstrual dysfunction, as well as provide an overview of common conditions that may mimic PCOS.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri Healthcare Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 500 North Keene Street, Suite 400, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA

    Jennifer Wolf M.D.

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 2325 Smiley Lane, Columbia, MO, 65202, USA

    Courtney L. Barnes M.P.H., M.D.

  3. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, 500 N Keene St, Suite 203, Columbia, MO, 65202, USA

    Mira Aubuchon M.D.

Authors
  1. Jennifer Wolf M.D.
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  2. Courtney L. Barnes M.P.H., M.D.
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  3. Mira Aubuchon M.D.
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Correspondence to Mira Aubuchon M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine Program for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Yale Reproductive Endocrinology, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Lubna Pal

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Wolf, J., Barnes, C.L., Aubuchon, M. (2014). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion. In: Pal, L. (eds) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8394-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8394-6_2

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