Polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS (PMOS) is a common endocrine abnormality and affects between 8-21% of women of reproductive age.
 

Update May 2026: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has officially been renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

It is associated with a range of health effects (including metabolic, reproductive and psychological) which can have long-term implications for a patient.

Learning objectives:

• Know the symptoms that would make you suspect PMOS in your patients.
• Know the investigations you should carry out in a patient with suspected PMOS.
• Understand the health risks associated with PMOS.
• Understand the management principles of PMOS.

Acknowledgements

This content was created by Dr Karen Falloon PhD, MBChB, FRNZCGP and reviewed by Dr Grace Lee, with expert input from Dr Stella Milsom, Reproductive Endocrinologist, MBChB, Dip Obs, FRACP in 2020.