CURRENT TRENDS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common and complex endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with manifestations that extend beyond reproductive dysfunction to include significant metabolic and psychological consequences. Its heterogeneous nature, variable clinical presentation, and absence of a universally accepted diagnostic standard continue to pose challenges in timely diagnosis and optimal management. This review summarizes current trends in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of PCOS, highlighting recent advances, ongoing controversies, and emerging future directions. Contemporary diagnostic approaches incorporate established criteria from the NIH, Rotterdam, and AE-PCOS Society, alongside improved hormonal assays, updated ultrasound thresholds, and growing interest in biomarkers such as anti-Müllerian hormone. Recognition of distinct PCOS phenotypes has enhanced understanding of disease variability and supports more individualized risk assessment and treatment planning. Management strategies have evolved from a predominantly symptom-based approach to a holistic, patient-centered model. Lifestyle modification remains the foundation of care, while pharmacological therapies now include insulin sensitizers, ovulation-induction agents, hormonal treatments, and newer metabolic drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and inositols. Complementary therapies and advances in assisted reproductive technologies further expand therapeutic options, particularly for infertility. Looking ahead, precision medicine, genomics, epigenetics, and artificial intelligence hold promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and tailoring treatment to individual phenotypes. Despite progress, gaps remain in long-term outcome data and phenotype-specific interventions, underscoring the need for continued research to improve outcomes and quality of life for women with PCOS.