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

Metformin has already been repurposed for treatment of gestational diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, weight gain issues caused by antipsychotic medication, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and some cancer cases. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025

It is used safely in other non-diabetes conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. —New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025

Weight loss can often help improve acne in people with certain health conditions, such as hidradenitis suppurativa and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025

Research indicates that girls with autism have higher rates of abnormal hormonal changes, including irregular menstrual cycles, cramps, acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than girls without autism. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polycystic ovary syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

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