Preparing a few questions helps you make the most of your appointment time. The guidelines emphasise respectful information¹ and decisions made together, according to your priorities². Your questions are very much part of that.

Understanding my diagnosis

What are you basing it on when you talk about PCOS in my situation?³
Do other causes need to be ruled out? Which ones, and with which tests?⁴
Would an ultrasound or an AMH test be useful in my case, or unnecessary?⁵
Could my current contraception affect the results?⁶
People talk about PCOS, PMOS, or SOPK and SMOP in French: is it all the same thing?⁷

My follow-up over time

Which follow-up tests do you suggest, and how often?⁸
Who coordinates this follow-up: you, my GP, a specialist?
What should I report between appointments?
Could my tiredness or my snoring be linked?⁹

My symptoms and my daily life

What options are there for what bothers me most? What effects can I expect, and what side effects?¹⁰
How long will it take before we can judge whether an option suits me?
What happens if I don't want treatment for now?²

My plans for pregnancy, or not

If I don't want to become pregnant: what contraception would suit me?¹¹
If I want a pregnancy, now or later: what do I need to know?¹²
If I become pregnant, what specific follow-up should be planned?¹³

My wellbeing

My mood or the way I feel about my body is difficult at the moment: can we talk about it?¹⁴
My relationship with food worries me: who can I turn to?¹⁵

Weight, if you wish

Why do you want to weigh me today? Is it necessary?¹⁶
Can we talk about my health goals without focusing on weight?¹⁷

My own questions

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
Information should be given respectfully and empathetically, and people with the condition should be directed to evidence-based resources rather than to misleading information.
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: Recommendations 2.6.1.2 and 2.6.1.5. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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2
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.
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3
In adults, the 2023 guideline makes the diagnosis when at least two of these three features are present, once other causes have been ruled out: clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens; ovulation disorders; ovaries with a polycystic appearance on ultrasound, or a raised anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level instead of the ultrasound.
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: Discussion; recommendations 1.4 and 1.5. 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.
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4
Other possible causes of the same signs must be ruled out; depending on the situation, this involves tests such as TSH, prolactin, 17-OH progesterone or FSH levels.
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: Legend of Algorithm 1 (Figure 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.
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5
When irregular cycles and excess androgens are both present, neither an ultrasound nor an AMH test is needed for the diagnosis.
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: Discussion; recommendations 1.4.9 and 1.5.2. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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6
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.
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7
According to the team that coordinates the international guideline, the name change does not alter the content of the 2023 recommendations, the diagnostic criteria or the approach to care.
Established fact · checked on 18 October 2026
- Terminology Update and Summary (PCOS to PMOS) (new tab) — Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), May 2026 (PDF file dated 24 July 2026). Passage: p. 1 and p. 4. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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8
After diagnosis, the guideline provides in particular for a blood glucose check at diagnosis and then every 1 to 3 years depending on risk factors, a lipid profile at diagnosis, and a blood pressure measurement every year.
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: Recommendations 1.8.3, 1.8.4, 1.9.2 and 1.9.3. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Traitement du syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (new tab) — Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), Page updated on 9 December 2025 (in French). Passage: “La surveillance et le traitement des problèmes associés”. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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9
Obstructive sleep apnoea is more common, independently of BMI; snoring with waking up unrefreshed, or sleepiness or tiredness during the day, are reasons to bring it up.
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: Recommendations 1.10.1 and 1.10.2. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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10
Medicines are chosen according to symptoms and plans: the international guideline places the combined contraceptive pill as first-line treatment for irregular cycles and signs of excess androgens, and reserves metformin mainly for metabolic aspects.
Recommendation · checked on 18 October 2026
Practices and marketing authorisations may differ in Switzerland and France: to be reviewed as a priority.
- 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: Discussion. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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11
A spontaneous pregnancy is still possible even with irregular ovulation: contraception is therefore useful when no pregnancy is planned.
Established fact · checked on 18 October 2026
- Syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) / Syndrome métabolique ovarien polyendocrinien (SMOP) (new tab) — Inserm, Feature page modified on 2 June 2026 (in French). Passage: “Cycles irréguliers, hyperpilosité et troubles du métabolisme”. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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12
Pregnancy can often be achieved, naturally or with medical help.
Recommendation · checked on 18 October 2026
French-language sources word this point differently (see research notes): the wording used here follows the international guideline.
- 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: Section 5, general principles. 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: Treatment. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
- Le syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) — Informations pour les femmes concernées (new tab) — Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Department of Gynaecology, November 2020, reprinted October 2022 (predates the 2023 guideline) (in French). Passage: p. 9. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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13
Pregnancies are considered to be at higher risk of complications; it is recommended that PCOS be flagged during pregnancy care so that monitoring can be adapted.
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: Recommendations 4.10.1 and 4.10.2. 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: Treatment. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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14
Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common; the guideline provides for screening for depression in adults and adolescents, and for anxiety in adults, at diagnosis and then according to the situation and life events.
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: Recommendations 2.2.1, 2.2.2 and 2.2.4. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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15
Eating disorders should be considered whatever the person's weight, and the features of the syndrome can affect body image and quality of life.
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: Recommendations 2.5.1, 2.4.1 and 2.1.1. 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: Symptoms. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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16
The guideline encourages asking permission before weighing and explaining the reason, and offering an approach that is or is not focused on weight loss according to each person's goals.
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: Discussion; recommendation 3.6.4. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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17
A balanced diet and physical activity are beneficial for everyone with the condition, even without weight loss.
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: Recommendation 3.1.5. Accessed on 18 October 2026.
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Questions to ask your doctor about PCOS