What are the diagnostic criteria for PCOS?

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Multiple Choice

What are the diagnostic criteria for PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed when there is evidence of ovulatory dysfunction plus signs of androgen excess, with ultrasound supporting ovarian morphology, and after other causes are excluded. The standard approach uses two of three features: oligo- or anovulation (irregular or absent menses due to irregular ovulation), clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (such as hirsutism, acne, or elevated androgens on lab tests), and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. This combination reflects the syndrome’s core pattern: disrupted ovulation, increased androgens, and characteristic ovarian appearance. Other options don’t fit as diagnostic criteria. Endometriosis and ovarian cysts describe different conditions and aren’t part of the PCOS diagnostic framework. Obesity and insulin resistance are common in PCOS but are not sufficient on their own to diagnose the condition. Elevated prolactin and thyroid dysfunction are separate issues that must be ruled out to avoid misdiagnosis, but they’re not the diagnostic criteria for PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed when there is evidence of ovulatory dysfunction plus signs of androgen excess, with ultrasound supporting ovarian morphology, and after other causes are excluded. The standard approach uses two of three features: oligo- or anovulation (irregular or absent menses due to irregular ovulation), clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (such as hirsutism, acne, or elevated androgens on lab tests), and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. This combination reflects the syndrome’s core pattern: disrupted ovulation, increased androgens, and characteristic ovarian appearance.

Other options don’t fit as diagnostic criteria. Endometriosis and ovarian cysts describe different conditions and aren’t part of the PCOS diagnostic framework. Obesity and insulin resistance are common in PCOS but are not sufficient on their own to diagnose the condition. Elevated prolactin and thyroid dysfunction are separate issues that must be ruled out to avoid misdiagnosis, but they’re not the diagnostic criteria for PCOS.

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