Should the recently published PCOS guidelines be revised?
The recent supplement of the Journal titled “Assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: summary of an evidence-based guideline” summarises the full Australian guideline document that was launched at the 2011 Endocrine Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting.1 The document is thorough and has been put together meticulously; it covers the major diagnostic and management issues encountered by health professionals looking after patients with this challenging condition. However, the recommendations for metabolic screening included a 2-yearly 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in all women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and annual testing for those with an additional risk factor.1 I believe that this screening protocol is not based on evidence and should not be applied universally to women with PCOS.
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- 1. Teede HJ, Misso ML, Deeks AA, et al. Assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: summary of an evidence-based guideline. Med J Aust 2011; 195 (6 Suppl): S65-S112. <MJA full text>
- 2. Dunaif A. Insulin resistance and the polycystic ovary syndrome: mechanism and implications for pathogenesis. Endocr Rev 1997; 18: 774-800.
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- 13. Franks S. When should an insulin sensitizing agent be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2011; 74: 148-151.
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