Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a state of chronic amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhoea – commonly associated with a constellation of symptoms and signs that are due to coexisting hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Patients often present because of difficulty in conceiving or because of menstrual irregularity. There may be associated signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutes, acne, thinning of head hair) and obesity. There may be biochemical features of insulin resistance (glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus), hyperlipidaemia (particularly, elevated triglycerides) and liver dysfunction.
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