| Summary: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-65). === Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-10% of women in the general population. Patients present with menstrual disturbances, infertility and clinical hyperandrogenism. While the pathophysiology is not completely delineated, a strong familial association has been demonstrated, suggesting a genetic component. From January 2007 until February 2009, a total of 83 probands were recruited from the Gynaecological Endocrinology Clinic (GEC) at GSH. These were all women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria who presented for management at the GEC. With their consent, first degree female family members were contacted and 57 mothers, 108 sisters and 8 daughters agreed to participate in the study.
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