Before the appointment
- Note the date of my last period and, if I keep track of them, the length of my recent cycles1
- List my current treatments, including my contraception2
- Note the family history I know of, for example PCOS or type 2 diabetes3
- Gather the test results and reports I already have
- Choose the two or three topics that matter most to me
- Decide whether to bring someone with me
What worries me most
What I notice, and since when
Write down only what you want to share. The signs vary from person to person, and there is no “right” list4.
My questions
You can use the ones from our list of questions.
During the appointment
- I asked my priority questions
- I asked what the words I didn't understand mean
- I understood which tests are planned, and why
- I said what matters to me in the choices offered5
Afterwards: what I take away
What I understood
Space to write by hand (4 lines).Tests planned and next appointment
Space to write by hand (3 lines).What I want to check or ask next time
Space to write by hand (3 lines).Sources for this page
Each number leads to a neutral statement and to the documents that support it. We summarise these sources in our own words; the links open the original documents.
- 1
Whether cycles are irregular is assessed according to the time since the first period: irregular cycles can be normal at the beginning and at the end of the reproductive years.
Recommendation · checked on 18 October 2026
- Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (new tab) — Monash University and International PCOS Network — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023;108(10):2447–2469 (co-published in Hum Reprod, Fertil Steril, Eur J Endocrinol). Passage: Recommendation 1.1.1. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (fact sheet) (new tab) — World Health Organization (WHO), Fact sheet dated 22 January 2026 (before the name change). Passage: Diagnosis. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- 2
While taking the combined contraceptive pill, blood androgen tests are difficult to interpret reliably.
Recommendation · checked on 18 October 2026
- Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (new tab) — Monash University and International PCOS Network — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023;108(10):2447–2469 (co-published in Hum Reprod, Fertil Steril, Eur J Endocrinol). Passage: Recommendation 1.2.6. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Symptômes, diagnostic et évolution du syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (new tab) — Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), Page updated on 12 January 2026 (before the name change) (in French). Passage: “Les critères qui permettent de confirmer le diagnostic”. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- 3
The exact cause remains unknown; a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk.
Established fact · checked on 18 October 2026
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (fact sheet) (new tab) — World Health Organization (WHO), Fact sheet dated 22 January 2026 (before the name change). Passage: Overview. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- 4
The signs and symptoms vary from one person to another, are not always present at the same time and can change over time.
Established fact · checked on 18 October 2026
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (fact sheet) (new tab) — World Health Organization (WHO), Fact sheet dated 22 January 2026 (before the name change). Passage: Symptoms. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Comprendre le syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) : définition, causes et fréquence (new tab) — Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), Page updated on 9 June 2026 (in French). Passage: “Quelles sont les perturbations hormonales…”. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- 5
The guidelines emphasise shared decision-making: choices take into account each person's values and preferences.
Recommendation · checked on 18 October 2026
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (fact sheet) (new tab) — World Health Organization (WHO), Fact sheet dated 22 January 2026 (before the name change). Passage: Treatment. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (new tab) — Monash University and International PCOS Network — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023;108(10):2447–2469 (co-published in Hum Reprod, Fertil Steril, Eur J Endocrinol). Passage: Recommendations 2.6.4.1 and 3.1.4. Accessed on 18 October 2026.