OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how PCOS will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 28 year old woman comes to the clinic for the evaluation of infertility. She has not been able to convince for 13 months despite having very frequent intercourse with her partner. Her menses began at age 12, and have always been irregular. She uses over the counter acne medications for her “bad skin“. She is obese and has been unsuccessful with weight loss efforts. Her physical examination shows an obese woman who has sparse hair on her upper lip. There is no galactorrhea, the thyroid is not palpable, and the gynecological exam is unremarkable. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s infertility?
Explanation: infertility + irregular menses + acne + obesity + hirsutism = PCOS
Question # 2
A 26 year old female and her boyfriend come to the clinic with complaints of infertility. They have not been able to conceive after 14 months of frequent intercourse. She has no medical problems and takes no medications. Physical examination reveals an excess of thick hair over her chin and the lower abdomen. There is no increase in her muscle mass. She explains that she has had the excess ahi for a long time. Her serum testosterone levels are elevated. What could be the cause of her infertility?
Explanation: infertility + hirsutism + high testosterone = PCOS
Question # 3
A 33 year old woman comes to the clinic because she has been experiencing irregular menses for the past 4 years. Her menses have ranged from 45-60 days intervals since she began menstruating at the age of 14, however her cycle internal is now 90 days. Her menstrual periods last for 2-7 days. She has no other remarkable past medical history, and is not taking any medications. This patient’s BMI is 38 kg/m³. Her pulse is 75/min, blood pressure is 135/80 mm Hg, and temperature is 98.6°F. Physical examination reveals the presence of velvety pigmented skin over the axillae and groin. What is a possible cause of this patient’s symptoms?
Explanation: irregular menstrual periods + obesity + acanthosis nigricans = PCOS
Question # 4
A 32 year old nulliparous woman comes to the clinic because she has been having difficulty getting pregnant. She has been trying to connive for the past 2 years without any success. Her menarche was at age 11, and her menstrual cycles occur about 2-3 times a year. They each last about 7-10 days. She denies using tobacco, alcohol, or any illicit drugs. Her blood pressure is 125/85 mm Hg and her pulse is 80/min. BMI is 36 kg/m². Her physical exam reveals midl acne and hair growth on the upper lip and chin. What is the likely diagnosis in this patient?
Explanation: infertility + irregular menses + acne + obesity + hirsutism = PCOS
Question # 5
A 25 year old woman comes to the clinic with complaints of infertility. She has had irregular menstrual cycles for the past 5 years. She has a menstrual period every 2-3 months on average. Her medical history is notable for an appendectomy 6 years ago. She does not take any medications, and does not have any allergies. Her blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, and pulse is 80/min. Her BMI is 34 kg/m². Physical examination reveals facial acne and hair growth on the upper lip and chin. What is the likely diagnosis in the patient?
Explanation: infertility + irregular menses + acne + obesity + hirsutism = PCOS
Question # 6
A 30 year old nulligravid woman comes to the clinic because she has been having irregular menses for the past few years. She explains that menses occur at 35-60 day intervals. In the past menses would occur at regular 28 day intervals. She has no notable past medical history other then being overweight her entire life, and her BMI is currently 30 kg/m2. A physical exam is notable for moderate coarse hair over the upper lip and chin. Pelvic ultrasonography shows no remarkable findings. What is the possible diagnosis in this patient?
Explanation: irregular menses + obesity + hirsutism = PCOS
Page Updated: 10.08.2016