polycystic ovary syndrome

noun

|Updated on: 31 Jul 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

Irregular ovulation, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and diminished ovarian reserve due to age contribute to female infertility.

— brennan peterson, chicagotribune.com, "5 myths about infertility," 26 June 2018
Yet these discussions rarely take place , and research indicates that gynecologists and nurses have gaps in their knowledge about issues such as the management of polycystic ovary syndrome and the impact of smoking and age on fertility.

— brennan peterson, chicagotribune.com, "5 myths about infertility," 26 June 2018
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

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