Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal
condition that affects women of reproductive age.
It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Hormones
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Women’s Sex Hormones

Definition

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

DotS the definition of PCOS may vary. In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Overview the World Health Organization’s definition is:

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time.

PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility”.2

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health definition is:

“PCOS is a hormone imbalance that affects about one in 10 women. This condition is associated with increased levels of two hormones in the body – insulin and androgens (male-type hormones) – that cause symptoms such as absent or irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, pimples, weight gain and challenges with fertility”.3

Health Care Provider

What if I need help with PCOS?

If you need help with PCOS, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can clarify your signs and symptoms, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 4Types of PCOS & What To Ask the Doctor
  2. ACOG Explains: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  3. ACOG Explains: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  4. Askpcos.org [Ask PCOS]
  5. Centre for Research Excellence In Women’s Health In Reproductive Life (CRE WHiRL)
  6. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  7. Endocrine Diseases
  8. Endocrine Library
  9. Endocrine Society [United States]
  10. Endocrine Society [United States]: Patient Engagement
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  11. Endocrine Topics
  12. Endocrine-Related Organs [+ The Essential Guide To Your Hormones]
  13. Ese-hormones.org [European Society of Endocrinology]
  14. Exploring PCOS Throughout the Body
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  15. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  16. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society: Australia and New Zealand]
  17. Find An Endocrinologist
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. How To Talk To Your Doctor About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  20. Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Genetic?
  21. Let’s Talk About PCOS
  22. Let’s Talk About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [+ Video]
  23. Living With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  24. Mayo Clinic Minute: Endometrial Cancer Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  25. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  26. PCOS Awareness Association [United States]
  27. PCOS Awareness Month [September, United Kingdom]
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  28. PCOS Guideline
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  29. PCOS Information Translated In Community Languages
  30. PCOS Is Diabetes of the Ovaries?
  31. PCOS Research From the Past
  32. PCOS and Healthy Eating
  33. Polycystic Ovary SyndromePCOS and Physical Activity
  34. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  35. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  36. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  37. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  38. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  39. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  40. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  41. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  42. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blog
  43. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet
  44. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Women’s Health
  45. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Emotions
  46. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes
  47. Promoting Shared Decision-Making In PCOS Management
  48. Q&A: Understanding the Unique Health Care Needs of Midlife Women With PCOS
  49. Symptoms and Causes of PCOS
  50. Verity-pcos.org.uk [Verity PCOS, United Kingdom]
  51. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Long-Term Health Implications of PCOS
  52. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: When Your Periods Leave Too Early
  53. Webinars: Previous – Reproductive Conditions and Consequences for Menopausal Health and Management
  54. What Is PCOS?
  55. What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? | Ask Cleveland Clinic’s Expert
  56. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  57. World Hormone Day [24 April 2025]
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  58. Yourhormones.info [You and Your Hormones: An Educational Resource From the Society of Endocrinology, United States]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Overview. 07 February 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome Accessed: 04 September 2025
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Overview. 07 February 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome Accessed: 04 September 2025
  3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Fact Sheet. Updated May 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos Accessed: 04 September 2025
Topic Last Updated: 15 September 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 September 2025

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by