POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME


Meaning of POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME in English

or Stein-Leventhal syndrome

Endocrine disorder in women, characterized by high androgen levels and infrequent or absent ovulation (see reproductive system ).

It causes a high proportion of female infertility cases. Symptoms vary but often include hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Menstruation may be irregular, absent, or excessive. The ovaries are usually enlarged and contain cyst s. The disease may remain undiagnosed until a woman tries to conceive. The underlying cause is not fully understood. Treatment attempts to reduce androgen production. Infertility may be treated with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins to induce ovulation or with laparoscopy .

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.