Knowra Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder associated with irregular ovulation, elevated androgen levels, and sometimes polycystic-appearing ovaries. Its features vary, and ovarian cysts are not required for diagnosis.
Hyperandrogenism : Excess androgen activity or levels, which can cause acne, increased facial or body hair, and other effects. Elevated androgen levels are a defining feature and contribute to several visible symptoms.
Rotterdam criteria : Diagnostic criteria for PCOS requiring two of three features after other causes are excluded. They formalize diagnosis using ovulatory dysfunction, androgen excess, and polycystic ovarian morphology.
Combined oral contraceptive pill : A contraceptive medication containing estrogen and progestin that suppresses ovulation and regulates bleeding. It is commonly used to regulate cycles and reduce androgen-related symptoms when pregnancy is not desired.
Ovarian cyst : A fluid-filled or tissue-containing sac within or on an ovary. PCOS’s name suggests cysts, but its ultrasound pattern usually consists of small follicles, and cysts are not required.
PCOS phenotype : A pattern of PCOS features defined by the combination of ovulatory, androgen, and ovarian findings. Different feature combinations may carry different reproductive and metabolic profiles.
Insulin resistance : A reduced cellular response to insulin that can lead the body to produce more insulin. In many cases, high insulin levels can amplify ovarian androgen production.
Oligomenorrhea : Infrequent menstrual bleeding, commonly defined by unusually long intervals between periods. It is a frequent clinical sign of irregular ovulation in PCOS.
Metformin : A medication that lowers glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It may help with metabolic outcomes and menstrual regularity in some people with PCOS.
Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia : An inherited enzyme disorder that can cause excess adrenal androgen production after childhood. It can resemble PCOS through irregular periods and androgen-related symptoms but has a different cause.
Developmental origins of health and disease : The study of how early-life exposures shape health and disease risk later in life. Researchers investigate whether prenatal and early developmental factors contribute to later PCOS.
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