Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The ovaries are the organs that produce the eggs in the female reproductive system. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome in which the ovaries are enlarged and have several fluid-filled sacs or cysts. These cysts may look like a string of pearls or a pearl necklace. A woman can develop one cyst or many cysts. Polycystic ovaries are usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may experience a number of other symptoms as well. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a leading cause of infertility and is the most common reproductive syndrome in women of childbearing age.

Eggs grow, develop, and mature in the ovaries and then are released during ovulation, part of the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries when the follicles (sacs) on the ovary that contain the egg mature, but do not release the egg into the fallopian tube where it would be fertilized.

An estimated five to 10% of women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (ages 20-40). At least 30% of women have some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.