Definition of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder which was first described by doctors in the 1930s. It is sometimes referred to as "hyperandrogen anovulation syndrome" or "Stein Leventhal Syndrome".

If you have PCOS you may have symptoms such as:

• Periods that are irregular, infrequent or heavy
• Difficulty in becoming pregnant
• Immature ovarian eggs that do not ovulate, forming small follicles. Follicles are small fluid filled sacs on the ovaries.
• Weight gain and an increase in fat, especially around the abdomen or tummy area
• Excessive facial or body hair
• Acne on both the face and the body
• Prediabetes or diabetes
• Higher levels of blood fats

Polycystic ovaries

The name of the condition PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) implies that all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries. However, having polycystic ovaries on ultrasound is not essential for the diagnosis of PCOS. Approximately 75 per cent of women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

While 12 to 18 per cent of women of reproductive age have the condition known as PCOS, recent research reports that up to 80 per cent of young women aged 18-22 can have polycystic ovaries. The prevalence of having polycystic ovaries decreases as a woman ages with up to 30 per cent of premenopausal women over 33 years of age having polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.These women either have no other symptoms of PCOS or have very mild symptoms and are therefore not classified as having the condition PCOS. While it is thought that such women (with polycystic ovaries but not PCOS) do not have increased infertility, it is not clear whether they have a higher risk for metabolic disease (diabetes and heart disease) than women without polycystic ovaries. There is some evidence that women with type 2 diabetes or previous gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) have a higher rate of polycystic ovaries. Other research has shown lower ‘good’ cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), higher markers of inflammation (an early sign of heart disease) and worse blood vessel function in women with polycystic ovaries compared to women without polycystic ovaries. However, a number of other research studies have shown no differences in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes such as glucose and insulin resistance between women with polycystic ovaries (but not PCOS) and women without polycystic ovaries.

A sensible approach, if you have polycystic ovaries but not PCOS, would be to follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight with good dietary and exercise practices to reduce potential long-term risks of diabetes and heart disease.

How common is PCOS?

Studies from Australia and overseas show that 12 to 18 per cent of all women of reproductive age (post puberty and pre-menopausal) have PCOS. This can vary greatly depending on factors such as the country or ethnicity of the population studied, presence of overweight or obesity in women and the criteria used for diagnosis.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however there appears to be a connection with a woman's genetics (i.e. hereditary, passed down through the family), insulin resistance and her lifestyle or environment. Read more...

What are androgens?

Androgens are male hormones (such as testosterone). One of the main symptoms of PCOS is excessive androgen production. Read more...

Symptoms

How do I know if I have PCOS? If you suspect that you may have PCOS it is important that you see a health professional. An early diagnosis can not only help women manage the side effects of PCOS but... Read more...

Risks

Associated risks for PCOS can include: Insulin resistance, weight gain/obesity, prediabetes/type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, endometrial cancer. Read more...

Diagnosis

There are a number of symptoms that women with PCOS can have. However, not every woman with PCOS will have every symptom and each woman will be quite individual in her presentation. Read more...

Further resources

Fact sheets

PCOS and Emotional Health 105.50 Kb

PCOS and Physical Health 99.14 Kb

PCOS Management 115.24 Kb

Related articles

PCOS - the big picture – Jean Hailes Magazine Summer 2011-12

Content updated 25 August 2011