POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
(PCOS) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Clinical Manifestations - ANSWER-Clinical manifestations are associated with:
Menstrual irregularities
• Prolonged menstrual periods, and intervals,
<8 periods /year
Excess androgens production:
• Hirsutism
• Acne
• Male-pattern baldness
•Polycystic ovaries
• Obesity (>50%)
• Lipid abnormalities
• Hypertension
Acanthosis nigricans (darkened, thickened
patches, velvety skin)
• Neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva, hand,
under breast
• Result of insulin resistance
Diagnostic Criteria - ANSWER-Rotterdam criteria (any two of the following):
• Androgen excess
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Polycystic ovaries
Laboratory test to rule out other causes:
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors
Ovarian ultrasound: numerous small cysts
• Not enough for diagnosis
Fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Hypercholesteremia
• Glucose tolerance test
(PCOS) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Clinical Manifestations - ANSWER-Clinical manifestations are associated with:
Menstrual irregularities
• Prolonged menstrual periods, and intervals,
<8 periods /year
Excess androgens production:
• Hirsutism
• Acne
• Male-pattern baldness
•Polycystic ovaries
• Obesity (>50%)
• Lipid abnormalities
• Hypertension
Acanthosis nigricans (darkened, thickened
patches, velvety skin)
• Neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva, hand,
under breast
• Result of insulin resistance
Diagnostic Criteria - ANSWER-Rotterdam criteria (any two of the following):
• Androgen excess
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Polycystic ovaries
Laboratory test to rule out other causes:
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors
Ovarian ultrasound: numerous small cysts
• Not enough for diagnosis
Fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Hypercholesteremia
• Glucose tolerance test
