PC

Infobox Disease
ICD-10	G71.2
ICD-9	359.0
DiseasesDB	31991
MedlinePlus
eMedicine	neuro 76 neuro/230
MeSH ID

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Characterized by a variety of symptoms and physical findings, the condition is primarily noted for its impact on hormonal imbalance, menstrual cycle irregularities, and its potential implications for fertility.

Symptoms and Signs

PCOS is marked by a combination of symptoms that can vary widely in terms of presence and severity among individuals. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Acne and oily skin
• Obesity or difficulty losing weight
• Alopecia (scalp hair loss)
• Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin)

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve multiple factors including genetics, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PCOS is generally made based on the presence of at least two of the following criteria:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism
• Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment of PCOS focuses on managing individual symptoms and may include:

• Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise
• Hormonal therapy such as birth control pills to regulate menstruation and reduce androgen levels
• Metformin to improve insulin resistance
• Fertility treatments if pregnancy is desired

Epidemiology

PCOS affects approximately 6-12% of women worldwide, making it the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age.

Prognosis

While PCOS is a chronic condition, the prognosis can be good with proper management. Treatment can reduce symptoms and the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Menstrual cycle
• Fertility

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