Overview

• Clinicians warn against confusing polycystic ovaries on ultrasound with polycystic ovary syndrome, noting diagnosis typically requires two of three features: irregular cycles, signs of excess androgens, or polycystic-appearing ovaries.
• Experts describe how PCOS disrupts ovulation and contributes to infertility, with higher risks of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
• Coverage underscores PCOS as a metabolic disorder tied to insulin resistance with elevated risks of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, prompting calls for routine blood sugar and cholesterol checks.
• Management guidance centers on nutrition, weight management and regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity, with IVF offered when conception remains difficult.
• Research highlights PCOS-related genetic effects in men and children, including patterns like early male-pattern baldness and higher BMI linked to polygenic risk scores, yet standardized criteria for non-reproductive groups are still lacking.