Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology revised diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome: JSOG2024 criteria

Abstract

Japanese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit distinct body type characteristics, such that the rate of overweight/obese women is remarkably low. In addition, hyperandrogenism is relatively rare among Japanese PCOS patients. Therefore, these factors are considered in PCOS diagnostic criteria used in Japan. Diagnostic criteria for PCOS were recently revised by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology based on a nationwide survey of PCOS and released on December 5, 2023 (JSOG2024). JSOG2024 criteria diagnosed PCOS according to the following three items: (1) irregular menstrual cycle/chronic anovulation, (2) polycystic ovarian morphology or elevated serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, and (3) hyperandrogenism or high luteinizing hormone. The presence of all three items is required to diagnose PCOS, after excluding other diseases with symptoms similar to PCOS. We also established AMH cut-off values by age and a system for evaluating ovarian findings useful for both the JSOG2024 and Rotterdam criteria. We anticipate that the JSOG2024 criteria with cut-off values will enhance the treatment of Japanese patients with PCOS and those of other ethnicities with low obesity and hirsutism.