Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, and its definition remains fluid and controversial. PCOS is characterized by clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and is frequently accompanied by ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovaries. PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion, with other androgen excess and related disorders to be excluded. The prevalence of PCOS is 6.5-8.0% of unselected women of reproductive age, using the NIH 1990 criteria. Genetically, PCOS is a common, complex disorder. Despite repeated attempts to identify the putative gene or genes responsible for this disorder, the PCOS gene(s) remain elusive.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 193-205 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- complex disorders
- epidemiology
- phenotyping
- polycystic ovary syndrome
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology