PCOS
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Polycystic ovary syndrome |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PCOS stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Common hormonal disorder of reproductive-age women characterized by irregular or absent ovulation, excess androgens (acne, unwanted hair growth, raised testosterone) and polycystic-appearing ovaries. It is a leading cause of infertility and is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and depression.
Example: PCOS by Rotterdam criteria: oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, 24 follicles per ovary; start metformin and discuss letrozole for fertility.
Usage notes
The Rotterdam criteria (2003) require two of three features after excluding other causes. Estimates suggest it affects roughly 8–13 percent of reproductive-age women, many undiagnosed. The "cysts" are actually arrested follicles, and some women with PCOS have normal-looking ovaries, which has fueled efforts to rename the condition. First described by Stein and Leventhal in 1935. A 2023 international evidence-based guideline allows AMH levels to replace ultrasound in adults. Letrozole is now first-line for ovulation induction.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- MNG – Multinodular goiter
- MODY – Maturity-onset diabetes of the young
- MTC – Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- NIDDM – Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- OGTT – Oral glucose tolerance test
- PA – Primary aldosteronism
- PHPT – Primary hyperparathyroidism
- PRL – Prolactin
- PTC – Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- PTH – Parathyroid hormone
- RAI – Radioactive iodine
- RAIU – Radioactive iodine uptake
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.