Donna R Chizen
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Title: Identification of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) with the newest diagnostic criteria: Problems, pitfalls, practical application to clinical care
Biography
Biography: Donna R Chizen
Abstract
Since the syndrome was described in 1935, it has not been a simple process to diagnose PCOS. Many diagnostic criteria have been entertained over years.The newest criteria for the polycystic ovary (PCO) has the potential to reliably identify affected women. The Androgen Excess/PCOS society acknowledged a higher threshold follicle count in the PCO (2013). The higher threshold has prevented false positive PCO/PCOS diagnoses. However, even with improved diagnostic criteria, many women with PCOS are not identified because presentations vary widely at different ages and treatments mask symptoms of PCOS. For example, hormonal contraceptives may control and thereby mask symptoms of PCOS. A missed diagnosis is a missed opportunity to prevent infertility and gestational diabetes preconceptually and prevent diabetes, endometrial cancer and heart disease before and after the menopause transition. Early diagnosis of PCOS is integral to defining at risk individuals.The time of initial assessment is a significant opportunity to motivate better health and prevent disease. Revisiting the meaning of PCOS can reinforce healthy behaviours. In this presentation, clinical cases will illustrate common and unexpected histories from women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. Presenting complaints will be discussed in relationship to making a diagnosis and avoiding false positive diagnoses. The concept of latent and missed PCOS will be considered. Phenotypes of women diagnosed with the newest PCO diagnostic criteria will be reviewed and implications for management will be examined. Women with PCOS need a diagnosis to learn how and why to adopt health promoting strategies.