Polycystic ovary syndrome: what do the new guidelines recommend?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 12 to 21% of women of a reproductive age in Australia, depending on the diagnostic criteria and population studied. Healthcare costs related to PCOS are estimated at $400 million per year in Australia. An estimated 70% of Australian women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, and clinical practice, including diagnosis and management, is often inconsistent. Most clinical services are unable to optimally address lifestyle issues, psychological issues and prevention of complications associated with PCOS4 and often focus on infertility and expensive assisted reproductive technologies. GPs consistently highlight PCOS as an area of educational need. Given the prevalence, disease burden, healthcare costs and clear gaps in care, translation of evidence into clinical practice is vital for the most appropriate assessment and management of women with PCOS.