Files
Adil_Zineb_07802100_2025-2026.pdf
UCLouvain restricted access - Adobe PDF
- 8.31 MB
Details
- Supervisors
- Faculty
- Degree label
- Abstract
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and a leading cause of anovulatory infertility and metabolic complications. Its marked clinical and pathophysiological heterogeneity makes diagnosis challenging and requires an integrated approach combining clinical, biological and morphological data. This thesis provides an in-depth narrative review of the role of hormonal assays in the diagnostic evaluation of PCOS, based on the most recent international evidence-based guidelines, particularly those published in 2023. Special emphasis is placed on the assessment of biochemical hyperandrogenism through measurements of total, free and bioavailable testosterone, as well as on the emerging role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a biomarker of polycystic ovarian morphology. In addition to the literature review, this work includes a practical laboratory observation conducted in a hospital setting, offering insight into the analytical principles, performance and limitations of immunoassays routinely used for AMH measurement. The contribution of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is also explored as a promising tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support personalized management of PCOS. Overall, this thesis highlights the central, yet non-exclusive, role of hormonal testing in the diagnosis of PCOS and emphasizes the importance of standardized, context-aware interpretation of biological results. It contributes to the ongoing evolution toward precision medicine, aiming to improve early diagnosis, individualized care and quality of life for women affected by PCOS.