Assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: summary of an evidence-based guideline.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has recently been shown to affect a striking 12 ?21 of Australian reproductive-age women, being more common among those who are overweight or of Indigenous background.1 PCOS can be a frustrating experience for women, a complex syndrome for clinicians and a scientific challenge for researchers, and is a major public health concern. Although reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has potential for major metabolic consequences, including obesity and related type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD), all of which are currently national health priority areas.2,3 It also has significant mental health and psychological impact, impairing quality of life (QoL).4,5 Because increased obesity exacerbates incidence, prevalence and severity of PCOS, and weight loss improves reproductive, metabolic and psychological features, lifestyle change should be first-line therapy for PCOS.6