### Date : 2024-05-29 10:59 ### Topic : Rotterdam criteria of PCOS #medicine #endocrinology ---- The Rotterdam criteria are named after the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where the consensus meeting to establish these criteria was held. The Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-sponsored PCOS consensus workshop group met in May 2003 during the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in Rotterdam. The aim of the workshop was to reach a consensus on the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, as previous definitions were considered insufficient and inconsistent. ### Historical Relevance The historical relevance of Rotterdam to PCOS lies in this pivotal meeting that brought together leading experts in the field to agree on a standardized definition for the syndrome. Prior to the Rotterdam meeting, there was considerable variability in the diagnostic criteria used for PCOS, which led to inconsistencies in research and clinical practice. The consensus reached at this meeting resulted in what is now widely accepted as the Rotterdam criteria. ### Significance of the Rotterdam Criteria The adoption of the Rotterdam criteria marked a significant advancement in the understanding and diagnosis of PCOS. These criteria expanded the diagnostic framework and provided a more comprehensive approach by including the presence of polycystic ovaries, in addition to hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularities. This broader definition has helped in identifying more women affected by the syndrome and has facilitated more consistent research and clinical management. ### The Criteria The Rotterdam criteria define PCOS by the presence of at least two of the following three features: 1. **Oligo- or anovulation**: Irregular or infrequent menstrual periods. 2. **Hyperandrogenism**: Clinical signs (such as hirsutism, acne, or androgenic alopecia) or biochemical signs (elevated levels of androgens in the blood). 3. **Polycystic ovaries**: As seen on ultrasound, with the presence of 12 or more follicles in each ovary measuring 2–9 mm in diameter, and/or increased ovarian volume (>10 cm³). By establishing these criteria, the Rotterdam workshop provided a more inclusive and versatile diagnostic tool, which has since become the standard used worldwide. In summary, the Rotterdam criteria are named after the city where a critical consensus meeting took place in 2003, leading to a significant and standardized advancement in the diagnosis and understanding of PCOS.