polycystic ovary syndrome

noun

|Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of polycystic ovary syndrome

: 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

Recent Examples of polycystic ovary syndrome from the Web

For a condition that affects up to 10% of reproductive-age women worldwide, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains mysterious.

— jennifer couzin-frankel, Science | AAAS, "Scientists may be closer to understanding a mysterious but common cause of female infertility," 14 May 2018
In this trial, 60 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which frequently causes hirsutism, took placebo or a combination of 100 mg magnesium, 4 mg zinc, 400 mg calcium and 200 IU vitamin D for three months.

— joe graedon, m.s., and teresa graedon, Houston Chronicle, "Will zinc help hirsutism in women?," 13 May 2018
Consider, for instance, that young women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have the apple shape and insulin resistance, although their bodies produce plenty of estrogen.

— claudia wallis, Scientific American, "The Belly Fat Battle," 1 May 2018
Thore also has polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which affects her hormones.

— julie mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, "Whitney Way Thore Calls Out 'Accusatory' Messages Asking Why She Isn't Losing Weight," 9 Apr. 2018
Hirsutism can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition linked with infertility and metabolic health problems.

— healthday, chicagotribune.com, "Guideline urges hormone test for women with unwanted hair," 2 Apr. 2018
Other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder, and diabetes can increase your risk for miscarriages and can run in families, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

— korin miller, SELF, "These Twins Both Had Miscarriages—and Now They're Pregnant Together," 2 Apr. 2018
Women with dark, coarse hair growth on the face, chest or back should be tested for polycystic ovary syndrome and other underlying health problems, a new Endocrine Society guideline says.

— healthday, chicagotribune.com, "Guideline urges hormone test for women with unwanted hair," 2 Apr. 2018
Doctors came to that conclusion — freezing embryos before implanting works best — because it has been proven to be true for women experiencing infertility as the result of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.

— emma hinchliffe, Fortune, "Frozen Embryos Aren’t Always Necessary for IVF, New Studies Show," 11 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polycystic ovary syndrome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of polycystic ovary syndrome

1956

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

polycystic ovary syndrome

noun

medical Definition of polycystic ovary syndrome

: 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