Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous female endocrine disorder
with manifestations that span the hormonal, reproductive, metabolic, and psychological.
Primary care physicians (PCPs), also known as family physicians or general practitioners,
play a key role in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of PCOS. This article
outlines the role of the PCP in the timely and accurate diagnosis, provision of information
and education, lifestyle and weight management, and management of key features such
as hyperandrogenism, irregular cycles, infertility, emotional well-being, and cardiometabolic
risk. PCPs play an essential role as the point of first contact for women and adolescents
with or at high risk of PCOS, providers of whole-person care and continuity of care,
and coordinators of care within a multidisciplinary team. Optimal management of PCOS
requires equitable access to primary care. There is a need for systemic approaches
to addressing barriers to provision of quality primary care, such as poor remuneration
of longer consultations and low awareness of evidence-based guidelines, to women and
adolescents with PCOS.
Keywords
polycystic ovary syndrome - primary care - general practice
