Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome
Other namesHyperandrogenic anovulation (HA),[1] Stein-Leventhal syndrome[2]
A polycystic ovary
SpecialtyGynecology, endocrinology
SymptomsIrregular menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess hair, acne, difficulty getting pregnant, patches of thick, darker, velvety skin[3]
ComplicationsType 2 diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, mood disorders, endometrial cancer[3]
DurationLong term[4]
CausesGenetic and environmental factors[5][6]
Risk factorsFamily history, obesity[7]
Diagnostic methodBased on irregular periods, high androgen levels, ovarian cysts[8]
Differential diagnosisAdrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, high blood levels of prolactin[9]
ManagementHealthy lifestyle, medication[10]
MedicationBirth control pills, metformin, anti-androgens, fertility treatments such as letrozole[11][12]
Frequency5 to 18% of women of childbearing age[10]

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age.[13] The name originated from the observation of cysts which form on the ovaries of some women with this condition. However, this is not a universal symptom and is not the underlying cause of the disorder.[14][15]

The primary characteristics of PCOS include excess androgen levels, lack of ovulation, insulin resistance, and neuroendocrine disruption.[16] Women may also experience irregular menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess hair, acne, difficulty getting pregnant, and patches of darker skin.[3][17]

The exact cause of PCOS remains uncertain.[18]

Estimates of prevalence vary: PCOS occurs in between 5% and 18% of women. Management can involve medication to regulate menstrual cycles, to reduce acne and excess hair growth, and to help with fertility. In addition, women can be monitored for cardiometabolic risks, and during pregnancy. A healthy lifestyle and weight control are recommended for general management.[10]

  1. ^ Kollmann M, Martins WP, Raine-Fenning N (2014). "Terms and thresholds for the ultrasound evaluation of the ovaries in women with hyperandrogenic anovulation". Human Reproduction Update. 20 (3): 463–4. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmu005. PMID 24516084.
  2. ^ Sun H, Li D, Jiao J, Liu Q, Bian J, Wang X (1 January 2022). "A Potential Link Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Asthma: a Meta-Analysis". Reproductive Sciences. 29 (1): 312–319. doi:10.1007/s43032-021-00662-8. ISSN 1933-7205.
  3. ^ a b c "What are the symptoms of PCOS?". Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 21 August 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference NICHD Is there a cure for PCOS? was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference De2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Endo2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Goodarzi 2024, p. 16.
  8. ^ "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Condition Information". National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 22 October 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  9. ^ "Polycystic ovary syndrome: What else might it be?". CKS NICE. March 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  10. ^ a b c Joham AE, Norman RJ, Stener-Victorin E, Legro RS, Franks S, Moran LJ, et al. (1 September 2022). "Polycystic ovary syndrome". The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 10 (9): 668–680. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00163-2. ISSN 2213-8587. PMID 35934017.
  11. ^ "What are the treatments for PCOS?". Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 21 August 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  12. ^ Goodarzi 2024, p. 3.
  13. ^ Goodman NF, Cobin RH, Futterweit W, Glueck JS, Legro RS, Carmina E (November 2015). "American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and androgen excess and PCOS society disease state clinical review: guide to the best practices in the evaluation and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome-part 1". Endocrine Practice. 21 (11): 1291–1300. doi:10.4158/EP15748.DSC. PMID 26509855.
  14. ^ Dunaif A, Fauser BC (November 2013). "Renaming PCOS--a two-state solution". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 98 (11): 4325–8. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2040. PMC 3816269. PMID 24009134. Around 20% of European women have polycystic ovaries (the prevalence is even higher in some other populations) but approximately two-thirds of these women do not have PCOS
  15. ^ Khan MJ, Ullah A, Basit S (2019). "Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspectives". Appl Clin Genet. 12: 249–260. doi:10.2147/TACG.S200341. PMC 6935309. PMID 31920361.
  16. ^ Crespo RP, Bachega TA, Mendonça BB, Gomes LG (June 2018). "An update of genetic basis of PCOS pathogenesis". Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 62 (3): 352–361. doi:10.20945/2359-3997000000049. PMC 10118782. PMID 29972435. S2CID 49681196.
  17. ^ CDC (15 May 2024). "Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)". Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  18. ^ Lentscher JA, Slocum B, Torrealday S (March 2021). "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Fertility". Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 64 (1): 65–75. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000595. PMID 33337743. S2CID 229323594.
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