Polycystic ovary versus polycystic ovary syndrome - A necessary distinction

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition. Polycystic ovaries are detected in 19-33% of the "general population," of whom approximately 80% have symptoms of PCOS, albeit for many such symptoms are usually mild. Thus, about 20% of women with polycystic ovaries are symptom free. It appears that ovarian dysfunction is expressed when the ovaries of women with polycystic ovaries alone are stressed, by either a gain in weight, a rise in circulating insulin levels, or stimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for assisted conception treatments. Longitudinal studies are required to better explore the evolution of signs and symptoms of the syndrome over time in women with polycystic ovaries and by comparison with those with normal ovaries.