Abstract

ABSTRACT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age. Diagnosis of PCOS is widely based on the 2003 Rotterdam criteria: Oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. However, clinical hyperandrogenism which is commonly used as a diagnostic criterion for PCOS is not particularly prevalent amongst certain ethnic groups. This review article explores the diverse manifestation of hyperandrogenism in different ethnicities and the difficulties of accurately diagnosing PCOS, with a focus on Malaysian patients