The number of women in the United States alone affected by the common endocrinopathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is between five to eight percent (Barnieri, & Ehrmann, 2017). As an advanced practice nurse, it is imperative to be familiar with syndromes that can affect an individual’s quality of life as well as their health status. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can impact both of these aspects of a woman’s life, and should alert the clinician to the need for further assessment. PCOS causes menstrual irregularity, acne, hirsutism, metabolic dysfunctions, pregnancy complications, and infertility (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). These symptoms are thought to be caused by a complex genetic trait in which environmental variants act to further
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If the patient is obese or overweight, this should also alert the clinician to suspect PCOS (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). Rotterdam criteria and the Ferriman-Galley score can be useful for the clinician during the history and physical exam for diagnosing (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). A transvaginal ultrasound can be useful for some clients, but is not required for diagnosis. Like many other health conditions, early detection is key in delaying subsequent complications. There is a small increased risk of endometrial cancer in patents with PCOS (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). A population-based case controlled study conducted by Kim et al., (2016) determined that PCOS and its associated sequelae may also cause an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers note that there is a need for further research with larger study populations to confirm their findings (Kim et al., 2016). However, this information is useful for advanced practice nurses, especially those in primary care and women’s health, to be aware of the possible correlation and to be on the lookout for future research
If the patient is obese or overweight, this should also alert the clinician to suspect PCOS (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). Rotterdam criteria and the Ferriman-Galley score can be useful for the clinician during the history and physical exam for diagnosing (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). A transvaginal ultrasound can be useful for some clients, but is not required for diagnosis. Like many other health conditions, early detection is key in delaying subsequent complications. There is a small increased risk of endometrial cancer in patents with PCOS (Barnieri & Ehrmann, 2017). A population-based case controlled study conducted by Kim et al., (2016) determined that PCOS and its associated sequelae may also cause an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers note that there is a need for further research with larger study populations to confirm their findings (Kim et al., 2016). However, this information is useful for advanced practice nurses, especially those in primary care and women’s health, to be aware of the possible correlation and to be on the lookout for future research