Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis and Challenges in its Management

Abstract

Lukman Yusuf* and Shiferaw Negash

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathological disorders affecting the hypothalamic, pituitary, ovarian and adrenal axis of women in their reproductive ages. It is recount able from fetal life in utero through menarche, puberty, the reproductive years, and menopause and beyond. It was first described in 1935. The prevalence rate is highly variable and ranges from 6 to 20%. It is classically articulated by oligo-amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology. Under the classification of the syndrome are registered several phenotypes and sub-phenotypes. The pathophysiology is not clearly understood and an array of several causal considerations is in existence. The presentations vary from person to person and it is not always easy to cure it or formulate a linear implementable universal scheduling; and therefore the management tends to be highly individualized.

PCOS is trending as a significant reproductive health related clinical condition in an Ethiopia setup accounting for up to 8.7% of our studied population. There exists a limited clinical data in the country and it deserves our attention within the context of its prevalence, investigations, available health care resources, exploring treatment availabilities and future opportunities impacting their outcomes. Hence, this article is intended to raise awareness among patients and clinicians, and above all empower service providers with up to date information on its presentations, clinical management and enlighten them with future prospects for research.

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