Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex disorder characterized by endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive disturbances. Both the clinical and laboratory features of the syndrome are remarkably heterogeneous and may change even in a single patient over time. Laboratory investigations are used in PCOS mainly for the determination of biochemical hyper-androgenemia and ovulatory dysfunction. These tests are also helpful for the exclusion of other related androgen excess disorders. Measurement of serum-free testosterone levels by sensitive methods or claculation of free androgen index, in addition to measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, are used for the determination of hyperandrogenism. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone or the luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio are not recommended for the routine evaluation of PCOS, whereas luteal-phase progesterone measurements might be helpful to confirm ovulatory function in hyperandrogenic patients with apparently regular menses. Initial work-up of a patient with PCOS includes, at a minimum, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and basal or stimulated 17(OH) progesterone levels to exclude thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, and nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, respectively. If other rare disorders with similar clinical presentations are suspected, further hormonal and biochemical evaluation would be necessary.
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© 2007 Humana Press Inc.
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Yildiz, B.O. (2007). Hormonal and Biochemical Evaluation of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In: Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Nestler, J.E., Panidis, D., Pasquali, R. (eds) Insulin Resistance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-310-3_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-310-3_17
Publisher Name: Humana Press
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