polycystic ovary syndrome

This is an endocrine (glandular) disorder that affects 5-10% of women. It begins about the time of puberty, but is often not diagnosed until a number of years later when fertility problems are noted. An older term for this condition is Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

The most common symptom is irregular menstrual cycles. About 80% of women with six or fewer menstrual periods per year have the syndrome. According to the Endocrine Society, of these women, 40% will already have type 2 diabetes (the "adult onset" type) or prediabetes when diagnosed.

Polycystic ovary syndrome - symptoms:

Menstrual irregularity
Infertility
Excess body hair (hirsutism)
Obesity
Adult or severe adolescent acne
Male-pattern hair thinning
Blood lipid abnormalities: high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol

Laboratory abnormalities (for your doctor):

Mildly elevated serum testosterone and/or dehydroepiandrosrterone sulfate
Insulin resistance
Increased LH:FSH ratio

Sources: The Hormone Foundation, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Foundation

A major educational campaign is underway to both better educate primary care physicians about the disorder and encourage women with suspicious symptoms to request testing for the condition.