Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The cause of the polycystic ovary syndrome remains unknown. This brings together current research in the field and explores areas of promise for future investigation. Covering the medical and surgical treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, it emphasizes the endocrine-ovarian connection.

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It is over fifty years since the symptoms of hirsuitism, menstrual dysfunction, infertility and obesity were found to be associated with enlarged cystic ovaries but the cause of the polycystic ovary syndrome remains unkown. This monograph brings together current research in this field and explores areas of promise for future investigation. It begins with an overview of important topics related to PCO such as a history of the syndrome, ovarian morphology and function. This is followed by a review of the fields which may help to clarify the cause and development of PCO. Complications and treatment of PCO are described and possible diagnostic criteria are summarized.