Definitions, prevalence and symptoms of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian morphology is seen on ultrasound in approximately 22% of women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and perplexing endocrine disorder of women in their reproductive years, with a prevalence of up to 10%. Clinical expression of the syndrome varies but commonly includes menstrual cycle disturbance, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and obesity. Recently, the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE/ASRM) achieved a new consensus regarding the definition of PCOS. This is now defined as the presence of any two of the following three criteria: (i) polycystic ovaries; (ii) oligo-/anovulation; and/or (iii) clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism. This revised definition provides an international framework for the clinical assessment of PCOS and for future research and collaboration.
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Excess testosterone in utero contributes to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
“There have been many studies showing that excess testosterone in utero contributes to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is estimated to affect 10–20% of women in the UK [127].”
From Developmental programming of offspring adipose tissue biology and obesity risk (2021) · cites this paper as [127]
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- Authors
- Hart, R., Hickey, M., & Franks, S.
- Affiliations
- The University of Western Australia (AU)
- Hammersmith Hospital (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Hart, Roger
- Venue
- Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2004-10
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 671-683
- ISSN
- 1521-6934 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2065485579
- Cited by
- 358
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 18 · 2012: 15
- FWCI
- 2.22
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Endometriosis Research and Treatment
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and Kidney Cyst Diseases
- Keywords
- polycystic ovary syndrome, polycystic ovary morphology, PCOS diagnostic criteria, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, menstrual irregularity, anovulation, prevalence
- MeSH terms
- Female, Hirsutism, Humans, Insulin Resistance, International Cooperation, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Prevalence
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