Global Perspective on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review of Different Clinical Guidelines

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Royan Institute, ACECR, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fellowship of Infertility, ACECR, Royan Institute, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Department of Reproductive Imaging, Reproductive Imaging, Tehran, Iran.

4 PhD in Management Sciences, Royan Institute, ACECR, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Department of Reproductive Imaging, Tehran, Iran.

5 Assistant Professor, Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Royan Institute, ACECR, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Department of Andrology, Tehran, Iran.

6 PhD in Tissue Engineering, Medical Laser Research Group, Laser Research Center in Medicine, YARA Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran.

7 Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Royan Institute, ACECR, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Department of Embryology, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.85489.6336

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, with variations in its diagnosis and management across different countries and populations. This study was performed with aims to conduct a narrative review of key clinical guidelines issued by reputable scientific societies, including United States, Europe, Australia, and China.
Methods: In this review study, a systematic search was performed across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus databases, and the Google Scholar search engine. Following resource evaluation, several authoritative clinical guidelines were selected for final analysis. The quality of these guidelines was assessed using validated tools, and data were analyzed descriptively.
Results: While many recommendations showed consensus, significant variations were observed in diagnostic thresholds for clinical and biochemical parameters, as well as in first-line treatment approaches. These differences primarily stem from demographic characteristics, cultural factors, and healthcare system structures in each country.
Conclusion: Given the identified disparities among international guidelines, this study highlights the necessity of developing localized guidelines tailored to the needs of the Iranian population. Establishing specialized task forces that incorporate international guidelines while considering local conditions could enhance patient care quality - particularly for adolescents - and prevent long-term PCOS-related complications. Regular updates and continuous education programs also play a pivotal role in improving the effectiveness of therapeutic services.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 8
October 2025
Pages 68-83

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