Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): arguably the most common endocrinopathy is associated with significant morbidity in women

Women’s health is about the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders that are unique to women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is extremely prevalent and probably constitutes the most frequently encountered endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Primary care providers do not commonly appreciate that the syndrome is associated with significant morbidity in terms of both reproductive and nonreproductive events. Having the disorder may significantly impact the quality of life of women during the reproductive years, and it contributes to morbidity and mortality by the time of menopause. A cohort of women with PCOS who were followed for many years after wedge resection (1) revealed several important findings by the time they reached the age of menopause. Their symptoms of PCOS had persisted over this time, they had a later menopause, and they had experienced a higher hysterectomy rate. Most importantly, there was a high prevalence of diabetes (16%) and hypertension (40%).