Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS: Definition, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the principal androgen-excess disorder, and affects between 5% and 10% of all women.

We should note that PCOS is a "syndrome", not a specific disease.
The word syndrome generally means "a group or collection of signs (physical findings) and symptoms (patient complaints) that suggest a common disorder". Because PCOS is a "syndrome" it is important to remember that not every woman with PCOS will demonstrate all the signs and symptoms of the syndrome. It is this inconsistency in the signs and symptoms from one woman to another that makes the definition and diagnosis of PCOS a challenge.

What is PCOS?

In general, PCOS involves irregular ovulation in combination with excess androgens (i.e. male hormones) and possibly polycystic ovaries. Regardless of what the actual levels of male hormones in the blood are, most of these patients have clinical evidence of hyperandrogenism (excess male hormone effect), including hirsutism (excess male-like hair growth), or acne, or androgenic alopecia (scalp hair thinning or loss).

Women with PCOS are often overweight, and many have a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance or a close relative who is similarly affected by androgen excess. This places women with PCOS at greater risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and possibly hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and cardiovascular disease.

If, while reading this information, you feel that you may be affected with PCOS, we suggest that a qualified physician evaluate you, to either confirm or rule-out the diagnosis.