TY - JOUR T1 - A guide to understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) JF - Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care JO - J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care SP - 217 LP - 225 DO - 10.1136/jfprhc-2012-100505 VL - 40 IS - 3 AU - W Colin Duncan Y1 - 2014/07/01 UR - http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/40/3/217.abstract N2 - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Some 20% of women will have polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan and around 7% of women have the additional clinical or biochemical features of PCOS. As a complex multisystem disorder its background can be confusing to understand. They key feature, however, is an increased production of androgen by the ovaries. This review uses ovarian biology to describe a strategy to aid understanding and explanation of PCOS. This framework can be also be used to teach about PCOS and to inform different approaches to its management. ER -