Epidemiology and Diagnostic Criteria of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries.The prevalence of PCOS varies between 6% and 10% depending on the diagnostic criteria and the ethnicity.Diagnosis of PCOS relies on a combination of clinical, biological and ultrasound criteria that are used worldwide in different variations.Few studies have extensively examined reproductive and metabolic characteristics and hyperandrogenism in Korean women.Despite the paucity of these studies, they are critical for ascertaining PCOS diagnostic criteria for this population.This review addresses the epidemiology and diagnostic criteria of PCOS specifically for Korean women.