ABSTRACT
The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disturbance affecting women and comprises a heterogeneous collection of signs and symptoms that gather together to form a spectrum of a disorder with a mild presentation in some women and a severe disturbance of reproductive, endocrine and metabolic function in others [1]. The pathophysiology of the PCOS appears to be multifactorial and polygenic. The denition of the syndrome has been much debated. Key features include menstrual cycle disturbance, hyperandrogenism and obesity. There are many extra-ovarian aspects to the pathophysiology of PCOS, yet ovarian dysfunction is central. Terminology is important, and it is gratifying to see a shift away from the term polycystic ovarian disease to the more commonly accepted PCOS. There have been calls by some to change to a yet new term that encompasses the metabolic components of the condition, although we feel comfortable with PCOS and the recognition that it is a multifaceted condition.
