1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Menopause Quiz
3. What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
• What are the symptoms of PCOS?
• What causes PCOS?
• How is PCOS diagnosed?
• What conditions or complications can be associated with PCOS?
• What treatments are available for PCOS?
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Effective Treatments
• Patient Comments: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Diagnosis
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Polycystic Ovary Index

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an illness characterized by irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth.

• Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

• With proper treatment, risks can be minimized. Ideal treatment is directed to each of the manifestations of PCOS.

REFERENCES:

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Writing Committee; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Position Statement on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Endocr Pract. 2005 Mar-Apr;11(2):126-34. No abstract available.

Azziz R; Sanchez LA; Knochenhauer ES; Moran C; Lazenby J; Stephens KC; Taylor K; Boots LR. Androgen excess in women: experience with over 1000 consecutive patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 Feb;89(2):453-62.

Azziz R; Woods KS; Reyna R; Key TJ; Knochenhauer ES; Yildiz BO. The prevalence and features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 Jun;89(6):2745-9. Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2004 Jan;81(1):19-25.

Schroeder BM; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG releases guidelines on diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Apr 1;67(7):1619-20, 1622. No abstract available.

Previous contributing medical author: Carolyn J. Crandall, MD