Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Jacinta Hollinger

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance that can affect females of reproductive ages and is described as women having high androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and small cysts on one or both ovaries. PCOS is difficult to accurately diagnose since the diagnostic criteria are vague and the disease falls on a wide spectrum of symptoms, leaving women underdiagnosed. Previous research has shown marked improvement in the diagnostic criteria for PCOS over the years. However, due to the vagueness in symptoms, most of the criteria has been created through expert opinion based on subjective data vs objective data. Furthermore, there is still debate on the best diagnostic criteria, causing confusion amongst providers. Furthermore, primary care providers refer patients to specialists for diagnosis because they are not confident in their ability to accurately diagnose and treat PCOS. With the growing amount of PA providers filling the need in primary care, this article is designed to keep providers informed about the most up-to-date evidence-based diagnostic criteria for PCOS to increase timely diagnosis, initiate early intervention, and reduce long term health outcomes.

Download

Share

COinS
 

CME: PCOS Diagnostic Criteria

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance that can affect females of reproductive ages and is described as women having high androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and small cysts on one or both ovaries. PCOS is difficult to accurately diagnose since the diagnostic criteria are vague and the disease falls on a wide spectrum of symptoms, leaving women underdiagnosed. Previous research has shown marked improvement in the diagnostic criteria for PCOS over the years. However, due to the vagueness in symptoms, most of the criteria has been created through expert opinion based on subjective data vs objective data. Furthermore, there is still debate on the best diagnostic criteria, causing confusion amongst providers. Furthermore, primary care providers refer patients to specialists for diagnosis because they are not confident in their ability to accurately diagnose and treat PCOS. With the growing amount of PA providers filling the need in primary care, this article is designed to keep providers informed about the most up-to-date evidence-based diagnostic criteria for PCOS to increase timely diagnosis, initiate early intervention, and reduce long term health outcomes.