Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition in women that involves irregular function of the ovaries. There are three key features of the condition, and the presence of any two of the following symptoms may lead to a diagnosis of PCOS.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Prognosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment

Recent Research into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Contraceptive Pill

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pathogenesis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Causes

Genetics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis

Latest Polycystic Ovary Syndrome News and Research

Long sitting hours raise breast cancer odds for inactive obese women

Prolonged daily sitting is linked to a higher prevalence of breast cancer in obese women, but only among those who are physically inactive. Regular physical activity eliminates this association, highlighting the importance of movement for breast cancer prevention in high-risk groups.

15 Jul 2025

PCOS patients often feel dismissed, misunderstood and underserved by the healthcare system

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that individuals living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often feel dismissed, misunderstood and underserved by the healthcare system.

7 Jul 2025

Vaping versus smoking’s impact on male fertility

A new study found that male E-cigarette users undergoing IVF had higher sperm motility and lower miscarriage rates compared to conventional smokers. However, E-cigarettes were not shown to be safe and further research is needed before recommending them for fertility.

6 Jul 2025

Probiotics improve ovarian damage in premature menopausal mice

Findings suggest probiotics could mitigate ovarian decline and improve microbiota in POI mice, paving the way for new treatments in women's health.

4 Jul 2025

Are you at risk? Waist size, not weight, could affect fertility in women

Researchers found that higher relative fat mass (RFM), a measure of visceral body fat, is significantly associated with increased infertility risk in U.S. women aged 20–44. The study suggests RFM may be a more sensitive screening tool for infertility risk than traditional BMI, especially in women with normal weight but high visceral fat.

3 Jul 2025

Embryos from women with PCOS carry distinctive epigenetic memory

Novel research presented today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has found that embryos from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) carry a distinctive 'epigenetic memory' that could explain why the condition often runs in families.

1 Jul 2025

Gut microbiota and metabolic changes linked to pregnancy risks in women with PCOS

A new study presented today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) reveals that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have distinct gut microbiota and metabolic signatures linked to premature endometrial aging and a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

30 Jun 2025

Monash-led research highlights urgent need to redefine PCOS

Most experts and those experiencing the potentially debilitating features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects one in eight women, want greater awareness and a name change to improve care and outcomes.

29 May 2025

Global female infertility rates surge, hitting women in their late 30s hardest

Researchers analyzed global data from 1990 to 2021 and found that over 110 million women worldwide were affected by infertility, with a significant rise in age-standardized rates. The study highlights shifting trends, with the greatest burden among women aged 35–39, and projections showing further increases in age-standardized rates by 2050.

22 May 2025

Gut bacteria and genes jointly shape obesity risk, review reveals hidden links

Researchers examined the heritability of body mass index (BMI), highlighting that genetics and the gut microbiome both play major roles in obesity risk. The review emphasizes that maternal microbiome transmission and family environment may help explain “missing heritability” beyond known genetic factors.

20 May 2025

Simple oral swab test could revolutionize IVF success rates

About 15 per cent of all couples of reproductive age are involuntarily childless. A major reason why so many need assisted reproduction is that nowadays more and more people are putting off starting a family.

13 May 2025

Maternal testosterone levels shape boys' activity and girls' strength by age 7

Boys born to mothers with PCOS or high third-trimester testosterone levels are less physically active at age 7, particularly on weekends. Girls exposed to high prenatal testosterone show reduced muscle strength but not lower activity levels.

10 May 2025

Can your diet affect fertility? Gut-linked dietary score reveals surprising risk pattern

A cross-sectional study of over 3,000 U.S. women found a non-linear link between a gut microbiota-based dietary index (DI-GM) and infertility. Risk decreased with healthier diets but unexpectedly rose beyond a certain threshold score.

4 May 2025

Ferritin levels unrelated to infertility and metabolic health risks in women with PCOS

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to have higher average ferritin levels compared to control subjects, but this does not seem to have a significant impact on their fertility or metabolic health.

28 Apr 2025

Adolescent obesity in England rises by 50% over 15 years

New research to be presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025, Malaga, Spain, 11-14 May) shows that the proportion of adolescents living with overweight or obesity in England has increased by 50% from 2008-2010 (22%) to 2021-2023 (33%).

12 Apr 2025

Study links neurotensin deficiency to ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a significant health concern for women of reproductive age, manifesting as a complex endocrine disorder with diverse clinical presentations.

3 Apr 2025

Cell map offers insights into endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) find it harder to get pregnant, have more frequent miscarriages and have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

20 Mar 2025

Researchers uncover 195 genetic risk factors driving women’s reproductive diseases

Scientists identified 195 genetic risk loci across 42 female reproductive health conditions, revealing shared genetic pathways and developing a polygenic risk score for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). These findings pave the way for personalized reproductive healthcare and targeted treatments based on genetic risk.

12 Mar 2025

Gynecological conditions may raise risk of heart disease and stroke

Having one or more common gynecological disorders, such as endometriosis or heavy or irregular periods, may be linked to a heightened risk of heart disease and conditions that affect blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular disease), finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence published online in the journal Heart.

24 Feb 2025

Understanding the impact of weight loss medications on female reproductive health

In recent months, the efficacy of contraception for people taking weight loss medications has been questioned, as several women claim to have gotten pregnant despite using oral contraceptives.

21 Feb 2025