title: Polycystic ovary syndrome--phenotypes and diagnosis.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms lasting throughout the lifecycle. The syndrome combines reproductive as well as metabolic aberrations associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The presence of three different definitions for the diagnosis of PCOS reflects the phenotypic diversity of the syndrome. The clinical manifestations and the sequelae of PCOS vary throughout the lifecycle, partly depending on environmental factors which may affect the integral components of the syndrome, namely ovarian steroidogenesis, ovulation and insulin resistance. As the patient grows older, particularly in the postmenopausal period, the cardiovascular risk profile may translate into increased rates of cardiovascular morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Medicine, Endocrine Unit, Medical School, University of Athens, Sotiria General Hospital , Athens , Greece.
authors.forename: Charikleia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Christakou
authors.forename: Evanthia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Diamanti-Kandarakis
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood; D010641:Phenotype; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced
keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome; lifecycle; phenotypes