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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  • Wake Forest University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a constellation of clinical symptoms that include irregular menses due to chronic oligo-ovulation, phenotypic features of hyperandrogenism, and obesity. The term “polycystic ovary” refers to ovarian morphology with increased ovarian stroma and a ring of cortical follicles. Core biochemical features include hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The pathogenesis of PCOS remains a topic of debate. Treatment of PCOS typically focuses on mitigating the impact of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and chronic oligo-ovulation and restoring fertility when desired. Polycystic ovary is defined as having 12 or more follicles in one ovary measuring 2–9 mm in diameter, and/or increased ovarian volume of greater than 10 mL, which is the maximum size of a normal ovary.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationClinical Reproductive Medicine and Surgery
Subtitle of host publicationA Practical Guide
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages123-137
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9783319522104
ISBN (Print)9783319522098
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Keywords

  • Acanthosis nigricans
  • Ferriman–Gallwey scoring system
  • GnRH pulse generator
  • Insulin resistance
  • Is a dermatological condition of hyperkeratosis and increased skin pigmentation with raised, symmetrical, darkened, velvety plaques that commonly appear on the nape of the neck
  • Refers to the synchronized pulsatile secretion of GnRH from neurons that are widely distributed in the medial basal hypothalamus
  • Scores hair growth in nine body areas from 0 (absence of terminal hairs) to 4 (extensive terminal hair growth)
  • The WHO defines insulin resistance as the lowest quartile of measures of insulin sensitivity

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