Evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Australian experts have developed the world’s first accessible evidence-based guideline for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition with reproductive, metabolic and mental health impacts. PCOS affects 12-21% of reproductive aged women in Australia, yet up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.

The Evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome is the culmination of two years of rigorous work from the PCOS Australian Alliance of leading Australian PCOS experts from the research, clinical and community sectors, in collaboration with the national not-for-profit women’s health organisation Jean Hailes. The Australian Department of Health and Ageing funded the project, which was auspiced by Jean Hailes and supported by the consumer advocacy group Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia Inc. (POSAA).

The guideline provides thirty-eight recommendations addressing four key areas:

• challenges of assessment and diagnosis
• assessment of emotional wellbeing
• lifestyle management
• fertility

 Importantly, the guideline addresses the long-term complications of PCOS including increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression and anxiety. 

Download guideline here 

Evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome2.97 MB

and

 Evidence‐based guidelines for assessment and management of PCOS: Evidence report 5.48 Mb  

Algorithms

The algorithms summarise the recommendations of the guideline and provide an accessible desktop tool.

There are five algorithms:

   1. Diagnostic and metabolic risk assessment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome  50.92 Kb

   2. Assessment of emotional wellbeing in women with polycystic ovary syndrome  49.44 Kb

   3. Lifestyle management for women with polycystic ovary syndrome  49.30 Kb

   4. Management of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (flowchart)  39.96 Kb

   5. Therapeutic interventions for infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome  52.32 Kb

Register for updates

Register for PCOS updates including details of the national education program and translation activities here.

Translation Program

The PCOS translation program aims to increase clinical practice uptake, through the dissemination of the PCOS evidence-based guideline and subsequent translation into a range of practice enhancement tools including algorithms, consumer resource, flip-charts,  MJA supplement clinical summary, newsletter series, and web based content.  In addition, an extensive national education program will be delivered to HP’s & consumers and includes:

• National conference program
• National public seminar program
• National videoconference
• On-line learning modules
• Face-to-face professional education program
• Web based information

Target audience

These guidelines will apply in all health care settings and to a broad audience, including:

• Community care practitioners
• Indigenous health care workers
• General practitioners
• Nurses
• Endocrinologists
• Obstetricians and gynaecologists
• Allied health professionals - psychologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists
• Consumers
• Community support groups (i.e. POSAA)
• General public
• Students
• Policy makers 

Background

More detailed information about the PCOS evidence-based guideline can be found in this background paper.

PCOS Background paper 85.72 Kb 

For further information on the guideline or evidence document contact:

Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health
173 Carinish Road, Clayton, VIC 3168PO Box 1108, Clayton South, Vic 3169

Phone: 03 9594 7500

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Other Information 

Disclaimer

This document is a guide to best practice, designed to provide information to assist decision-making. It is based on the best available evidence and clinical judgement at the time of development of this publication and is to be followed subject to the clinician’s judgement and patient’s preference in each individual case.

Suggested citation

Evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health on behalf of the PCOS Australian Alliance; Melbourne, 2011.

Copyright

© The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health on behalf of the PCOS Australian Alliance 2011

Printed document

This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health on behalf of the PCOS Australian Alliance. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health using the contact information provided below.

ISBN Print: 978-0-646-55470-9

Electronic document

This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use, or use within your organisation. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. Copies of the guideline can be downloaded from www.jeanhailes.org.au. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health using the contact information provided below.

Publication Approval

These guidelines were approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on 29 July 2011, under Section 14A of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992. In approving these guidelines the NHMRC considers that they meet the NHMRC standard for clinical practice guidelines. This approval is valid for a period of 5 years.

NHMRC is satisfied that they are based on the systematic identification and synthesis of the best available scientific evidence and make clear recommendations for health professionals practising in an Australian health care setting. The NHMRC expects that all guidelines will be reviewed no less than once every five years.

This publication reflects the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.

Content updated 29 August 2011