Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was first recognized by Drs Stein and Leventhal in 1935. It is a common but poorly understood complex endocrine disorder clinically associated with infertility, hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhoea. The UK prevalence is around 6–7%. 20% of women in the UK have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound without clinical features of PCOS and of those attending infertility clinics with anovulation, 90% have features of PCOS. It is therefore important for a GP to be able to recognize PCOS and approach treatment holistically as the condition has implications for a woman's menstrual and reproductive life, physical appearance and long-term health.
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