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

Some people wonder if drinking spearmint tea can help clear up acne, particularly hormonal acne caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).2 Medicinal plants and teas have been used in traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine to prevent and treat acne for years. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Your doctor will likely want to evaluate you for an underlying health condition, like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). —Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024

For starters, these skin experts can figure out if an underlying health issue (like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, for instance) is responsible for your chronic flare-ups. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Sep. 2024

Unfortunately, Black women are disproportionately affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to other culture groups. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

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