Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 3-5% of women of fertile age. Despite the fact that it was first recognised in 1935, the exact cause is not yet known and there is no single treatment for all the problems it can lead to.
The following pages cover this syndrome in some detail. It is important to appreciate that PCOS is a lifelong condition that needs appropriate diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and monitoring.
You can switch between the Fast Facts and Full Facts views of each topic on the page.
What symptoms does it cause?
How is it diagnosed and what is the difference between PCO and PCOS?
Diabetes, insulin and longer-term risks
Treatment: irregular periods
Treatment: infertility
Treatment: weight loss
Treatment: hirsutism (excess hairiness)
Treatment: insulin sensitising agents (metformin)
Long term monitoring
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