Frequently Asked Questions

What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Short Answer

Polycystic ovary syndrome (formally known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome) is an endocrine disorder that affects women of all races and nationalities of child bearing age, and is a leading cause of infertility.

Long Answer

Often, PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, or obesity.

Metformin (met FOR min), which is used to treat type-2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Other diabetes and fertility medications, as well as birth control pills, may be used to help manage PCOS. Keeping a healthy weight is also important.

Related terms:

Antihyperglycemic agents
Apo-Metformin
Fortamet
Gen-Metformin
Glucophage
Gluformin
Glumetza
Glycon
Metformin hydrochloride
Novo-Metformin
Nu-Metformin
Obimet
Riomet

Additional Information

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovarian_syndrome
kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/pcos.html
http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202756.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000369.htm
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/438597
http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/issues/oi_pcos.htm
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/964648419.html
http://www.ivf.com/pcostreat.html
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/womenshealth/facts/pcos.htm
http://www.webmd.com/hw/womens_conditions/tw9104.asp
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pcosinfo.html
http://familydoctor.org/620.xml