ABSTRACT
Introduction The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disturbance affecting women and is a heterogeneous collection of signs and symptoms that gathered together form a spectrum of a disorder with a mild presentation in some, whilst in others a severe disturbance of reproductive, endocrine and metabolic function.1 The pathophysiology of the PCOS appears to be multifactorial and polygenic. The definition 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 polycystic ovary syndrome.
