Consensus on womens health aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females with a high prevalence. The etiology of this heterogeneous condition remains obscure and its phenotype expression varies. Two, widely cited, previous ESHRE/ASRM-sponsored PCOS consensus workshops focused on diagnosis (published in 2004) and infertility management (published in 2008). The present third PCOS consensus paper summarizes current knowledge and identifies knowledge gaps regarding various womens health aspects of PCOS. Relevant topics addressedall dealt with in a systematic fashioninclude adolescence, hirsutism and acne, contraception, menstrual cycle abnormalities, quality of life, ethnicity, pregnancy complications, long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health and finally cancer risk. Additional, comprehensive background information is provided separately in an extended online publication.