Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS)

Recall the diagnosis of PCOS- requires 2 of the following: 
1) clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism

2) oligoovulation or anovulation

3) PCO on US

In PCOS there is unopposed estrogen, which leads to an increased risk for endometrial cancer. It has been hypothesized that women with PCOS have increased risk for breast cancer but no definitive evidence. Obesity may also be a risk factor for cancer and many women with PCOS are obese.

Ref: Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica [0239-8508] Jakimiuk yr:2009 vol:47 iss:5 pg:S101 -S105
20067879

(Katharine Cheung MD, 8/2/10)