PB 108-PCOS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS
How do you screen for nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia? - ANSWER-- 17-
hydroxyprogesterone
- Random normal level less than 4 ng/mL or morning fasting less than 2 ng/mL, normal
- If levels are high, needs ACTH stimulation test.
True or false: weight loss can improve fundamental aspects of PCOS by decreasing
circulating androgen and resuming spontaneously menses in obese women. -
ANSWER-- True. No effect in normal weight women.
- Changes occur with weight loss as little as 5% of initial weight.
- Improved pregnancy rates
- Similar improvement as for pharmacologic weight loss agents such as orlistat and
sibutramine
- Gastric bypass surgery experience near normalization
Does PCOS increase the risk of developing T2DM? - ANSWER-- Yes
- A retrospective study shows that it increase the risk by twofold to fivefold.
- Should be screened with a fasting glucose level followed by 2hr GTT.
- The prevalence is lower in thinner European population.
Does PCOS increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease? - ANSWER-- It is
strongly suggested but less documented
- Women with PCOS should be screened for cardiovascular risk by determining BMI,
fasting lipid and lipoprotein levels, and metabolic syndrome risk factors.
What is metabolic syndrome? - ANSWER-- Diagnosed by updated Adult Treatment
Panel III criteria
- Elevated BP (greater or equal to 130/85)
- Increased waist circumference (greater or equal to 35 in)
- Elevated fasting glucose levels (greater or equal to 100 mg/dL)
- Reduced HDL (less than 50 mg/dL)
- Elevated triglyceride levels (greater or equal to 150 mg/dL)
What is the primary treatment of menstrual disorders in women with PCOS not trying to
conceive? - ANSWER-- Combined hormonal contraceptives. They offer benefits by
suppressing LH secretion, ovarian androgen secretion, increased SHBG.
- No evidence available to determine the most effective combined hormonal
contraceptives.
- Both progestin and insulin-sensitizing agents such as metforming and
thiazolidinediones do not treat menstrual disorders.
VERIFIED ANSWERS
How do you screen for nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia? - ANSWER-- 17-
hydroxyprogesterone
- Random normal level less than 4 ng/mL or morning fasting less than 2 ng/mL, normal
- If levels are high, needs ACTH stimulation test.
True or false: weight loss can improve fundamental aspects of PCOS by decreasing
circulating androgen and resuming spontaneously menses in obese women. -
ANSWER-- True. No effect in normal weight women.
- Changes occur with weight loss as little as 5% of initial weight.
- Improved pregnancy rates
- Similar improvement as for pharmacologic weight loss agents such as orlistat and
sibutramine
- Gastric bypass surgery experience near normalization
Does PCOS increase the risk of developing T2DM? - ANSWER-- Yes
- A retrospective study shows that it increase the risk by twofold to fivefold.
- Should be screened with a fasting glucose level followed by 2hr GTT.
- The prevalence is lower in thinner European population.
Does PCOS increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease? - ANSWER-- It is
strongly suggested but less documented
- Women with PCOS should be screened for cardiovascular risk by determining BMI,
fasting lipid and lipoprotein levels, and metabolic syndrome risk factors.
What is metabolic syndrome? - ANSWER-- Diagnosed by updated Adult Treatment
Panel III criteria
- Elevated BP (greater or equal to 130/85)
- Increased waist circumference (greater or equal to 35 in)
- Elevated fasting glucose levels (greater or equal to 100 mg/dL)
- Reduced HDL (less than 50 mg/dL)
- Elevated triglyceride levels (greater or equal to 150 mg/dL)
What is the primary treatment of menstrual disorders in women with PCOS not trying to
conceive? - ANSWER-- Combined hormonal contraceptives. They offer benefits by
suppressing LH secretion, ovarian androgen secretion, increased SHBG.
- No evidence available to determine the most effective combined hormonal
contraceptives.
- Both progestin and insulin-sensitizing agents such as metforming and
thiazolidinediones do not treat menstrual disorders.
