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Polycystic ovary syndrome physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Overview

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome usually appear obese. The physical examination findings of PCOS include signs of androgen excess, insulin resistance, and the presence of unopposed estrogen.

Physical Examination

Physical Examination

The physical examination findings of PCOS include signs of androgen excess, insulin resistance, and the presence of unopposed estrogen.[1][2][3]

General appearance

Patients with PCOS may appear obese and tired.[4]

Vital Signs

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome may have elevated blood pressure, with a systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 85 mm Hg or higher.

Skin

  • Hyperpigmentation of the skin at the nape of the neck, axillae, area beneath the breasts, and exposed areas.
  • Excessive body hair in a male distribution pattern
  • Acne

Abdomen

Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have abdominal obesity.

References

References

  1. Rosenfield RL (1997). “Current concepts of polycystic ovary syndrome”. Baillieres Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 11 (2): 307–33. PMID 9536213.
  2. Goudas VT, Dumesic DA (1997). “Polycystic ovary syndrome”. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 26 (4): 893–912. PMID 9429864.
  3. Rosenfield RL (2008). “What every physician should know about polycystic ovary syndrome”. Dermatol Ther. 21 (5): 354–61. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00217.x. PMID 18844713.
  4. Buggs C, Rosenfield RL (2005). “Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence”. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 34 (3): 677–705, x. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2005.04.005. PMC 3477606. PMID 16085166.


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