Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine (hormone-related) disorder that affects a large number of pre-menopausal women, with prevalence rates ranging from 3–10% depending on the population and diagnostic criteria used.[1] PCOS is characterized by androgen excess (e.g., high testosterone, male-pattern body hair growth) and/or ovarian dysfunction (e.g., ovarian cyst-like growths, infertility, irregular menstruation).
What is PCOS?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects 3% to 10% of premenopausal women; it is characterized by androgen excess and/or ovarian dysfunction. Symptoms may include high testosterone levels, male-pattern body hair growth, ovarian cysts, infertility, and irregular menstruation.