polycystic ovary syndrome

noun

: a variable disease that is marked by amenorrhea, hirsutism, obesity, infertility, and ovarian enlargement and is usually initiated by an elevated level of luteinizing hormone, androgen, or estrogen which results in an abnormal cycle of gonadotropin release by the pituitary gland

called also polycystic ovarian syndrome

Examples of polycystic ovary syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Metformin isn't approved for weight loss in children but sometimes will be prescribed to help a child with prediabetes or a hormonal disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome lose weight. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 Sep. 2025

Hormonal imbalances and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the likelihood of this diagnosis. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Allure, 22 Aug. 2025

Brittany Ingram was diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which can affect reproductive health, and even lead to infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 19 July 2025

In those cases, testosterone testing can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, adrenal disorders or rare tumors. —Shiv Sudhakar, NBC news, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polycystic ovary syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

polycystic ovary syndrome

noun

: a variable disorder that is marked especially by amenorrhea, hirsutism, obesity, infertility, and ovarian enlargement and is usually initiated by an elevated level of luteinizing hormone, androgen, or estrogen which results in an abnormal cycle of gonadotropin release by the pituitary gland

—abbreviation PCOS

called also polycystic ovarian disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, polycystic ovary disease, Stein-Leventhal syndrome