title: A guide to understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Some 20% of women will have polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan and around 7% of women have the additional clinical or biochemical features of PCOS. As a complex multisystem disorder its background can be confusing to understand. They key feature, however, is an increased production of androgen by the ovaries. This review uses ovarian biology to describe a strategy to aid understanding and explanation of PCOS. This framework can be also be used to teach about PCOS and to inform different approaches to its management.
authors.affiliation: Scottish Senior Clinical Fellow and Consultant in Reproductive Medicine, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: W Colin
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Duncan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D006113:United Kingdom; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens
keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome