ABSTRACT
When considering the epidemiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) it is necessary to look at the components that define the syndrome, namely at least two of the following: menstrual disturbance (oligoanovulation), hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries and then explore their prevalence in different populations, whether defined by age, ethnicity or other factors, such as body weight (viz hyperinsulinism). It is well recognized that PCOS is a heterogeneous condition, and several large series exist that describe populations of patients with the condition.
