FNU NP705 ENDOCRINE PCOS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are two pathophysiologic pathways occurring in PCOS? - ANSWER-1. Insulin
resistance - increased insulin - increased sex hormone binding globulin - increased free
androgen
2. Increased adipose tissue - increased estrogen - decreased FSH which blocks
estradiol & the maturation of oocytes, this increases endometrial hyperplasia which
increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Risk factors for PCOS? - ANSWER-FOD:
Family hx
Obesity
DM
S/SX of PCOS? - ANSWER-(HO AAA II)
Hirsutism
Obesity
Acne
Amenorrhea
Acanthosis nigricans (deeper pigmentation around neck)
Irregular menstrual cycles
Infertility
Endocrine Society Guidelines state that to diagnose PCOS there must be at least 2 of
the what 3 criteria? - ANSWER-(EPO)
1. Excess androgen production
2. Polycystic ovaries
3. Ovulatory dysfunction
What other comorbidities might you screen for in someone with PCOS? - ANSWER-(C-
MODE)
CVD
Mood disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea (often large neck circumference)
DM
Endometrial cancer
What physical exam findings might you discover in someone with PCOS? - ANSWER-
V/S - possible HTN
BMI
Waist circumference greater than 35" abnormal
Signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism)
Signs of insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are two pathophysiologic pathways occurring in PCOS? - ANSWER-1. Insulin
resistance - increased insulin - increased sex hormone binding globulin - increased free
androgen
2. Increased adipose tissue - increased estrogen - decreased FSH which blocks
estradiol & the maturation of oocytes, this increases endometrial hyperplasia which
increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Risk factors for PCOS? - ANSWER-FOD:
Family hx
Obesity
DM
S/SX of PCOS? - ANSWER-(HO AAA II)
Hirsutism
Obesity
Acne
Amenorrhea
Acanthosis nigricans (deeper pigmentation around neck)
Irregular menstrual cycles
Infertility
Endocrine Society Guidelines state that to diagnose PCOS there must be at least 2 of
the what 3 criteria? - ANSWER-(EPO)
1. Excess androgen production
2. Polycystic ovaries
3. Ovulatory dysfunction
What other comorbidities might you screen for in someone with PCOS? - ANSWER-(C-
MODE)
CVD
Mood disorders
Obstructive sleep apnea (often large neck circumference)
DM
Endometrial cancer
What physical exam findings might you discover in someone with PCOS? - ANSWER-
V/S - possible HTN
BMI
Waist circumference greater than 35" abnormal
Signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism)
Signs of insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans)
