Polycystic ovary syndrome: pathogenesis and treatment over the short and long term.

Abstract

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism and infertility early in life, it is a harbinger of a lifelong condition that can lead to serious sequelae such as endometrial or ovarian cancer, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. We review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.