The Rotterdam criteria are a set of diagnostic criteria used to identify Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Rotterdam Criteria Explained
According to the Rotterdam consensus, PCOS is diagnosed if a woman exhibits at least two out of the three following criteria:
- Oligo-anovulation: Irregular or absent ovulation.
- Hyperandrogenism: Clinical or biochemical signs of high androgen levels (e.g., hirsutism, acne, or elevated testosterone levels).
- Polycystic Ovaries: The presence of 12 or more follicles measuring 2-9 mm in diameter and/or an ovarian volume of 10 mL or greater in at least one ovary, as seen on ultrasound.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Oligo-anovulation | Infrequent or absent ovulation, leading to irregular or missed periods. |
| Hyperandrogenism | Clinical signs (e.g., acne, hirsutism) or biochemical evidence (e.g., elevated testosterone levels) of excessive androgens. |
| Polycystic Ovaries | Presence of ≥ 12 follicles measuring 2-9 mm in diameter and/or an ovarian volume ≥ 10 mL in at least one ovary (visualized by ultrasound). |
