Polycystic ovarian morphology

• W Colin Duncan • Scottish Senior Clinical Fellow and Consultant in Reproductive Medicine, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK • Correspondence to Dr W Colin Duncan, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; W.C.Duncaned.ac.uk Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Some 20% of women will have polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan and around 7% of women have the additional clinical or biochemical features of PCOS. As a complex multisystem disorder its background can be confusing to understand. They key feature, however, is an increased production of androgen by the ovaries. This review uses ovarian biology to describe a strategy to aid understanding and explanation of PCOS. This framework can be also be used to teach about PCOS and to inform different approaches to its management. • polycystic ovary syndrome Key message points • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 7% of women but its background can be confusing to understand. • The key feature is increased production of androgen by the ovaries. • Understanding ovarian biology clarifies pathways to androgen increase and provides a framework to facilitate teaching on PCOS. • This approach can be also used to inform management strategies. Introduction Polycystic ova...

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