What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Hormonal imbalance: Pcos is a hormonal imbalance often associated with cysts in ovaries. It is seen more commonly in people who are overweight/obese and can include changes like lack of periods, decreased breast size, acne, and excess hair growth. If your doctor suspects it, s/he will start with a variety of blood tests to check your hormonal levels.

Dr Ferdowsi and another doctor agreed

PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is diagnosed when a patient presents with cysts on ovaries, evidence of excess androgens (excessive hair growth or acne) and irregular menstrual cycles. Women with pcos usually have elevated testosterone levels and abnormal Insulin levels both of which drive the clinical findings. It can be effectively controlled with a low-glycemic diet, weight loss, exercise, meds.

Mixed bag: Pcos is a constellation of findings which includes irregular periods, elevated testosterone or testosterone like hormones (with no other cause), resistance to Insulin (predisposition to type 2 diabetes), problems with lipids, many times unwanted face and body hair, sometimes scalp hair loss. Ovarian cysts may or may not be found. Pcos is an outdated term but no better one has been agreed upon.