POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA, REPRODUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES, AND EVIDENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN MODERN GYNECOLOGY

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 8–13% of women globally and representing the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Its heterogeneous clinical presentation—encompassing hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology—reflects a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and metabolic disturbance. Despite its high prevalence and well-documented reproductive and metabolic sequelae, PCOS remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed worldwide.