Pathophysiology and Phenotypic Spectrum of PCOS

This podcast episode covers the ongoing clinical paradigm shift in polycystic ovary syndrome, focusing on the proposed name change to polymorphic metabolic and ovarian syndrome to better reflect its multi-system nature. The discussion details the core pathophysiological drivers of the disorder, including accelerated hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility, elevated luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratios, intraovarian hyperandrogenism, and post-receptor insulin resistance. Clinicians will review the four distinct Rotterdam phenotypes, exploring how classic hyperandrogenic subtypes differ metabolically from non-hyperandrogenic variants, alongside a strategic diagnostic framework to differentiate true syndrome subtypes from critical adrenal or neoplastic mimics.