Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Known Symptoms

Menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea).
Hirsutism, acne, alopecia.
Weight gain (especially central obesity), acanthosis nigricans.
Red flags: Rapid virilisation (suggestive of androgen-secreting tumours), severe insulin resistance, or signs of Cushing’s syndrome warrant further investigation.

Known Causes

Requires at least two of:
- Oligo-/anovulation.
- Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Assessments:
- Hormonal profiling (testosterone, LH, FSH, SHBG).
- Glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin.
- Pelvic ultrasound (≥12 follicles per ovary and/or increased ovarian volume).
Exclusion of other disorders: Thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Care

Prevention:
- Early lifestyle intervention in high-risk individuals; no definitive preventive measures.
Follow-up:
- Annual screening for glucose intolerance, lipid profile, and blood pressure.
- Endometrial surveillance in patients with prolonged amenorrhea.
- Regular monitoring of weight, hirsutism, and metabolic parameters.

Known Symptoms

Menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea).
Hirsutism, acne, alopecia.
Weight gain (especially central obesity), acanthosis nigricans.
Red flags: Rapid virilisation (suggestive of androgen-secreting tumours), severe insulin resistance, or signs of Cushing’s syndrome warrant further investigation.

Known Causes

Requires at least two of:
- Oligo-/anovulation.
- Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Assessments:
- Hormonal profiling (testosterone, LH, FSH, SHBG).
- Glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin.
- Pelvic ultrasound (≥12 follicles per ovary and/or increased ovarian volume).
Exclusion of other disorders: Thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Care

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Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Our Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism offers specialist, long-term care for hormone and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, pituitary, adrenal and bone-health conditions. Our endocrinologists work with surgery, oncology, ophthalmology, obstetrics and transplant teams to deliver personalised diagnostic pathways (blood tests, imaging, bone density and thyroid biopsy) and tailored medical, procedural and surgical plans. Services include diabetes and lipid management, obesity and metabolic-syndrome care (with bariatric pathways), pediatric growth and puberty clinics, reproductive endocrinology and gender-affirming hormone support.

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