Polycystic Ovaries

Synonyms/Description

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Stein-Leventhal syndrome

Etiology

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, occurring in 4% to 6% of the female population. PCOS is a complex of symptoms often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and infertility. Historically there had been a lack of consensus regarding the features that define PCOS. In 2003 a consensus statement was developed between the European and American reproductive societies, known as the Rotterdam criteria, which standardized the definition of PCOS. The diagnosis requires two of the following three findings: (1) oligo-ovulation or anovulation, (2) clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. It is important to note that the sonographic appearance of the ovaries is not always required for this diagnosis. The Rotterdam criteria clarify the difference between polycystic ovaries (PCO), which is a diagnostic finding, and PCOS, which is a diagnosis affecting multiple organ systems.