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, dated 22 January 2026, the World Health Organization’s definition is:

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years and beyond, into later stages of life.

PCOS occurs when inappropriate hormonal signaling leads to higher than normal androgen levels and other hormonal imbalances. As a result, women with PCOS may experience irregular or infrequent menstrual periods, pain – including pain with heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal ovulation, changes in hair (either excessive facial or body hair or female-pattern baldness), oilier skin, acne and/or cysts in the ovaries”.2

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): What Is PCOS? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health definition is:

“The name polycystic ovary syndrome suggests a problem with ovarian cysts. But PCOS is a condition where polycystic ovaries have more immature follicles (small sacs with eggs) than usual.

The main features used to diagnose PCOS include:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • High levels of androgens”.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 identify 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. Aligning Research, Policy, and Practice To Transform PCOS Care
  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 A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  17. Find An Endocrinologist
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. Healthy Recipes for PCOS
  20. How Does PCOS Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?
  21. How To Talk To Your Doctor About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  22. Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Genetic?
  23. Let’s Talk About PCOS
  24. Living With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  25. Mayo Clinic Minute: Endometrial Cancer Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  26. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  27. PCOS Awareness Association [United States]
  28. PCOS Awareness Month [September, United Kingdom]
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  29. PCOS Guideline
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  30. PCOS Is Diabetes of the Ovaries?
  31. PCOS Research From the Past
  32. PCOS and Other Health Conditions
  33. Pcosappg.co.uk [All-Parliamentary Group on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS] [United Kingdom]
  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) [Multiply Languages]
  44. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Sleep Disturbance In Postmenopausal Women: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
  45. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Women’s Health
  46. Promoting Shared Decision-Making In PCOS Management
  47. Q&A: Understanding the Unique Health Care Needs of Midlife Women With PCOS
  48. Stay Healthy
  49. Verity-pcos.org.uk [Verity PCOS, United Kingdom]
  50. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Long-Term Health Implications of PCOS
  51. What Is PCOS?
  52. What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? | Ask Cleveland Clinic’s Expert
  53. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  54. World Hormone Day [24 April 2026]
  55. STI Awareness
  56. 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. 22 January 2026. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome Accessed: 09 April 2026
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Overview. 22 January 2026. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome Accessed: 09 April 2026
  3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/pcos/ Accessed: 09 April 2026
Topic Last Updated: 09 April 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 April 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by