Long term effects of PCOS confirmed

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine abnormality of reproductive-age women. These patients usually present with infertility or menstrual disturbances, conditions caused by anovulation or oligoovulation. It has now become evident that there are deeper and more significant metabolic consequences to this syndrome than just the reproductive ones. Whereas this was previously strongly suspected, the most recent meeting of the PCOS Consensus Group confirmed the long-term consequences of the disorder*. After resolving the issues of menstrual abnormalities and hyperandrogenism, these patients need to be screened for metabolic abnormalities (lipid profile, glucose metabolism, hypertension), potential psychological problems, and the possibility of precancerous or cancerous changes. If the anovulatory cycles persist long enough, endometrial hyperplasia and even endometrial cancer may develop over time in otherwise healthy young women. Thus, PCOS is a multidisciplinary disorder and must be managed as such. * BC, Tarlatzis BC, Rebar RW, et al Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Fertil Steril. 2012;97:28-38.e25