The most prevalent reproductive endocrine condition affecting women of
reproductive age is called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. Hyperandrogenism,
irregular ovulation, and polycystic ovarian shape are the hallmarks of PCOS. Despite
the fact that PCOS has been recognized for more than a century, there is ongoing
debate over its diagnosis, origin, clinical characteristics, and course of therapy. The
first scientific study of (PCOS) was conducted in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal,
although Vallisneri provided the first account of PCOS in 1721, marking the historical
evolution of the syndrome. The first scientific PCOS diagnostic criteria were proposed
in 1990 at an NIH-sponsored conference. The syndrome is most often known as
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and the NIH 2012 criteria are now the
mainstream diagnostic standards used, i.e., Rotterdam 2003 criteria with phenotypic
classification. The last guideline on PCOS, i.e., the international evidence-based policy
(2018), amended in 2023, is acceptable to all groups working on PCOS. AMH may be
the most effective biomarker currently identified for PCOS. Complex and
heterogeneous, PCOS is influenced by environmental and epigenetic factors in addition
to genetic vulnerability. This chapter on PCOS aims to provide an introductory note
along with the historical evolution of PCOS.
Keywords: Abnormal ovulation, Consensus diagnostic standards, Hyperandrogenism, Polycystic ovarian anatomy, Polycystic ovary syndrome.
