PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone or endocrine syndrome or group of clinical symptoms and was first described by doctors in the 1930s.

In PCOS characteristically there is an excess of androgens (male-like hormones) and lack of regular ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). It is sometimes also referred to as “hyperandrogen anovulation syndrome” or “Stein Leventhal Syndrome”.

Incidence

PCOS (with clinical symptoms) affects between 5-10% of all women of childbearing age. However around 20-25% of premenopausal women have polycystic ovaries mostly with no symptoms and therefore do not have the “syndrome”.