Peer-Reviewed Literature
Research Basis
PCOScan's screening logic is grounded in the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM consensus criteria and supporting clinical literature. The articles below are the primary sources informing the scoring model, referral thresholds, and symptom weightings.
The Rotterdam Criteria
The 2003 Rotterdam consensus (updated from the original 1990 NIH criteria) requires 2 of the following 3 features for a PCOS diagnosis, after exclusion of related disorders:
Oligo/Anovulation
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles indicating disrupted ovulation. Defined as fewer than 8 cycles per year or cycles consistently outside 21-35 days.
Clinical or Biochemical Hyperandrogenism
Elevated androgens assessed via physical signs (acne, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia) or laboratory measurement (free testosterone, DHEA-S).
Polycystic Ovarian Morphology
At least 12 follicles measuring 2-9mm in diameter on ultrasound, or increased ovarian volume. Requires clinical imaging and cannot be self-reported.
Because criterion 3 requires clinical ultrasound, PCOScan focuses on criteria 1 and 2, supplemented by contextual risk factors. Results are for informational purposes only.
Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome
Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group
The foundational Rotterdam criteria paper. Defines the 2-of-3 diagnostic framework (oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology) that PCOScan is based on.
Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome
Teede HJ, Misso ML, Costello MF, et al.
International guideline covering assessment, diagnosis, and management of PCOS across the lifespan. Provides updated evidence on Rotterdam criteria application and screening.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Legro RS, Arslanian SA, Ehrmann DA, et al.
Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline detailing hormone panels, ultrasound criteria, insulin resistance screening, and treatment options recommended in PCOS evaluation.
Androgen excess in women: experience with over 1000 consecutive patients
Azziz R, Sanchez LA, Knochenhauer ES, et al.
Large prospective study on androgen excess in women, supporting the clinical weight given to hirsutism and hyperandrogenism in PCOS scoring.
Prevalence and characteristics of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population
Azziz R, Woods KS, Reyna R, et al.
Population-level prevalence study estimating 6-10% of reproductive-age women have PCOS, informing the public health rationale for accessible screening tools.
Heritability of polycystic ovary syndrome in a Danish twin cohort
Vink JM, Sadrzadeh S, Lambalk CB, Boomsma DI
Twin study estimating heritability of PCOS at approximately 72%, supporting family history as a significant risk amplifier in the PCOScan scoring model.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: a complex condition with psychological, reproductive and metabolic manifestations that impacts on health across the lifespan
Teede H, Deeks A, Moran L
Comprehensive overview of PCOS manifestations across the lifespan, covering metabolic, reproductive, and psychological dimensions relevant to longitudinal symptom tracking.
Adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome according to the international evidence-based guideline
Peña AS, Witchel SF, Hoeger KM, et al.
Addresses challenges of PCOS diagnosis in adolescents, supporting the weight given to adolescent symptom onset in the PCOScan risk context step.
These references are provided for educational and transparency purposes. PCOScan is not affiliated with any of the authors or publications listed. Access to full-text articles may require institutional access or purchase. Always evaluate primary literature critically and consult a qualified healthcare provider for clinical decisions.