MEDICAL PROGRESS - POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome – in its most typical form, the association of hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation – is one of the most common endocrine disorders. The clinical and biochemical features are heterogeneous, and there has been much debate as to whether it represents a single disorder or several. In recent years, it has become apparent that the polycystic ovary syndrome not only is the most frequent cause of anovulation and of hirsutism, but is also associated with a characteristic metabolic disturbance (resistance to the action of insulin) that may have important implications for long-term health. Definition The most widely accepted. © 1995, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.