What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder and the leading cause of infertility occurring in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. Although the symptoms and their severity may vary from woman to woman, some common clinical features include: irregular or no menstrual periods and excess production of male hormones (hyperandrogenism); both of which are a direct result of abnormal ovarian function. About 70% of PCOS sufferers are overweight or obese, but women of normal weight, even lean females can also suffer from this insidious condition.

In 1990 the National institute of health gave PCOS diagnosis criteria as:


  • 1. Elevated testosterone (hyperandrogenism and/or hyperandrogenemia)
  • 2. Lack of ovulation (oligo-ovulation)
  • 3. Exclusion of known disorders.


In 2003 many experts in this field met in Rotterdam in 2003 defined PCOS as two of the three conditions listed below:


  • 1. Lack of ovulation or less than eight cycles per year
  • 2. Blood test elevation of testosterone or clinical evidence of increased male hormone
  • 3. Polycystic ovaries, that is enlarged ovaries with 12 or more small follicles.


PCOS is difficult to diagnose because no test or combination of tests offer a definitive diagnosis. Different patients experience differing manifestation of the syndrome which complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Nine manifestations or phenotypes are currently recognized as potential indicators of PCOS. While not everything is known about PCOS, medical science has made great strides in recent years toward understanding and controlling the condition. The best regimen seems to be a combination of medical care, dietary supplements, proper nutrition and exercise—all of which can be controlled by the patient. Your PCOS symptoms can be managed and even reversed.

PCOS Institute would like to partner with you to manage and control your PCOS symptoms. We do this through medication, education, lifestyle coaching, and the use of all-natural PCOS Care Nutritional Support Program by Vitagenis® in conjunction with your medical treatment. PCOS does not have to have control over your life. You can have control over your PCOS.

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