The genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, affecting up to 7% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, and often obesity [1]. Key reproductive features of PCOS are disordered gonadotropin secretion [2], elevated ovarian and adrenal androgen production [3], and frequently polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS have profound insulin resistance as well as beta cell dysfunction, regardless of obesity and glucose tolerance status [4].