title: A comprehensive approach in diagnosing the polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: The polycystic ovary syndrome is the commonest hyperandrogenic and dysmetabolic disorder in women that, by definition, may present with different phenotypes, including the classic forms and those with a milder presentation. Its diagnosis is mainly based on careful clinical judgment, although it may require additional investigation by blood testing or imaging techniques in the differential diagnosis of androgen excess. This article summarizes the most important aspects of the diagnostic procedure and suggests how to apply them in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, S Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pasquali
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, S Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gambineri
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers; D001835:Body Weight; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: Type 2 diabetes; androgens; infertility; insulin resistance; obesity; polycystic ovary syndrome