Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age.[14] A review of international prevalence of PCOS found that over 2-26% prevalence of PCOS has been documented across various countries. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of PCOS remains uncertain. Its primary characteristics include hyperandrogenism, anovulation, insulin resistance, and neuroendocrine disruption. The syndrome is named after the characteristic cysts which may form on the ovaries, though it is important to note that this is a symptom and not the underlying cause of the disorder.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS include irregular or no menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess body and facial hair, acne, pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and patches of thick, darker, velvety skin. Associated conditions include type 2 diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, mood disorders, and endometrial cancer. This disease is related to the number of follicles per ovary each month growing from the average range of 6 to 8 to double, triple or more.

PCOS is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include obesity, a lack of physical exercise, and a family history of someone with the condition. Diagnosis is based on two of the following three findings: anovulation, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts. Cysts may be detectable by ultrasound. Other conditions that produce similar symptoms include adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, and high blood levels of prolactin.

PCOS has no cure, as of 2020. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise. Birth control pills may help with improving the regularity of periods, excess hair growth, and acne. Metformin and anti-androgens may also help. Other typical acne treatments and hair removal techniques may be used. Efforts to improve fertility include weight loss, clomiphene, or metformin. In vitro fertilization is used by some in whom other measures are not effective.

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women between the ages of 18 and 44.[20] It affects approximately 2% to 20% of this age group depending on how it is defined. When someone is infertile due to lack of ovulation, PCOS is the most common cause.[4] The earliest known description of what is now recognized as PCOS dates from 1721 in Italy.