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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

DOI: 10.1093/MED/9780198567394.003.0054Semantic Scholar

106 Citations•2018•

H. Turner, J. A. Wass

Definitions

Women with PCOS have two types of hormones, insulin and androgens, that can be made in higher levels than in women without PCOS, which is more common in women of Asian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and African backgrounds.

Abstract

Women with PCOS have two types of hormones, insulin and androgens, that can be made in higher levels than in women without PCOS. Family genes contribute to PCOS. Women with PCOS are 50 per cent more likely to have a mother, aunt or sister with PCOS, and the condition is more common in women of Asian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and African backgrounds. Lifestyle factors can also worsen the symptoms of PCOS. For example, diet and being overweight.