Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about polycystic ovarian syndrome.

And you can find written notes on this topic as always at zero to finals.com slash PCOS or in the gynecology section of the Zero toinals, obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Polysistic ovarian syndrome, which is shortened to PCOS, is a common condition causing

metabolic and reproductive problems in women.

There are characteristic features of multiple ovarian cysts, infertility, oligomenorrhea,

hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance.

There are some essential definitions and long, descriptive words that you need to be aware of

with polycystic ivarian syndrome so that you know what we're talking about.

An-ovulation refers to absence of ovulation.

Oligo-ovulation refers to irregular, infrequent ovulation.

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods.

Oligomenorrhea refers to irregular, infrequent menstrual periods.

Androgens are male sex hormones such as testosterone.

Hyperandrogenism refers to the effects of high levels of androgens.

Hursuitism refers to the growth of thick, dark hair, often in a male pattern,

for example, male pattern facial hair.

And insulin resistance refers to a lack of response to the hormone insulin, often resulting in high

blood sugar levels and high insulin levels.

It's important to be aware of the Rotterdam criteria, and the Rotterdam criteria are used

for making a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

A diagnosis requires at least two of the three

...