Which statement best defines polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Which statement best defines polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

• A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells resulting in absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia.
• B. A rare infectious disease affecting the ovaries.
• C. Endocrine disorder with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism leading to metabolic dysfunction.
• D. A progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Answer: (C)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder in which insulin resistance leads to higher insulin levels that stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. This hyperandrogenism, often accompanied by reduced sex hormone–binding globulin, disrupts normal ovarian function and metabolism. The result is irregular or absent ovulation and symptoms like excess facial/body hair or acne, along with metabolic issues such as weight concerns, lipid abnormalities, and glucose intolerance. This combination of insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and resulting metabolic dysfunction best captures what PCOS is. The other options describe conditions that aren’t PCOS: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is type 1 diabetes, an infectious disease affects the ovaries, and a progressive neurodegenerative disorder describes conditions like Parkinson’s or similar diseases.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder in which insulin resistance leads to higher insulin levels that stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. This hyperandrogenism, often accompanied by reduced sex hormone–binding globulin, disrupts normal ovarian function and metabolism. The result is irregular or absent ovulation and symptoms like excess facial/body hair or acne, along with metabolic issues such as weight concerns, lipid abnormalities, and glucose intolerance. This combination of insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and resulting metabolic dysfunction best captures what PCOS is.

The other options describe conditions that aren’t PCOS: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is type 1 diabetes, an infectious disease affects the ovaries, and a progressive neurodegenerative disorder describes conditions like Parkinson’s or similar diseases.