Polycystic ovary syndrome and implications for the menopause.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition of premenopausal women and has significant metabolic abnormalities that could have an impact after the menopause. Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia could potentially affect health in this era of life. Endometrial cancer, due to unopposed estrogen action, is more common where progestins have not been given for menstrual dysfunction. Preventive management earlier in life will avoid postmenopausal problems in PCOS.