What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam. There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Symptoms may include: Oligo-amenorrhea (irregular or absent periods), Oglio-anovulation (infrequent or no ovulation), Infertility, Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face, chest or abdomen) and weight gain. Many experts agree that in order to diagnose PCOS, you must first rule out other endocrine conditions, such as thyroid and adrenal disease and the patient must have 2 out of 3 of the following criteria: a history of irregular or absent menstrual cycles and or no ovulation since puberty, hirsutism and/or high blood levels of male hormones – androgens, ultrasound evidence of polycystic ovaries.