Diagnosis and therapy of polycystic ovarian syndrome: results of a survey among German gynecologists with a review on literature

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most frequent endocrine dysfunctions in women in their fertile age. To date, a clear definition of the disease remains controversial among experts, partly because study results concerning diagnostics and therapy are incoherent. In this survey, we intend to give an insight into the diagnostics and treatment regimes of PCOS in Germany and subsequently compare these results to the current recommendations found in international literature. In 2005, 7,000 outpatient gynecologists received a questionnaire with questions on PCOS definition, diagnostics and treatment. The survey shows that it remains difficult for gynecologists to restrict themselves to the few definition criteria defined in the 2003 Rotterdam PCOS Consensus Workshop. Nevertheless, therapy and diagnosis of PCOS show a uniform treatment pattern. The current recommendations found in international literature have been widely implemented into clinical practice. Modern therapeutic approaches such as the use of metformin are increasingly acknowledged. Further studies dealing with the diagnosis and therapy of PCOS will be necessary in order to establish guidelines, especially when looking at patients without a desire for reproduction.