Dictionary for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

By Dr. Grove Higgins

Acne: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells, often associated with hormonal changes.

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual periods.

Androgenic Alopecia: A type of hair loss that occurs due to high levels of androgens; in women, this usually presents as hair thinning.

Comprehensive Patient History: An in-depth record of a patient's background, including medical history, family history, and lifestyle, to help doctors understand and diagnose health conditions.

Differential Diagnosis: The process of distinguishing one medical condition from others that present with similar symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria: The standard set of signs, symptoms, and test results that doctors use to determine if a person has a particular medical condition.

Epidemiology: The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.

Healthcare Providers: Professionals who provide preventative, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative healthcare services to individuals, families, or communities.

Hyperandrogenism: A medical condition characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones) in females.

Hyperinsulinism/Hyperinsulinemia: A condition in which excessive levels of insulin are circulating in the blood relative to the glucose level.

Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back in women, often due to increased androgens.

Infertility: Not being able to get pregnant after a year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older).

Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in personal behaviors, habits, or living conditions (like diet and exercise) to improve health outcomes.

Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps: Digital applications allow women to record and track their menstrual cycle, helping them understand their patterns and irregularities.

Menstrual Irregularities: Any of several abnormal conditions characterized by some abnormality in the length of the menstrual cycle, the amount of bleeding, or the duration of menstruation.

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Misdiagnosis: An incorrect, partial, or delayed diagnosis, which can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatment.

Molecular Genetics: The field of biology that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual periods (fewer than six to eight periods per year).

Oral Contraceptives: Medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control.

Pathophysiology: The study of how disease or injury affects bodily functions.

Patient Education: The process by which health professionals and others impart information to patients and their caregivers that will alter their health behaviors or improve their health status.

Pharmacological Interventions: The use of medication as treatment for a certain condition or disease.

Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries that are larger than normal and contain many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs).

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, characterized by prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods and excess androgen (male hormone) levels.

Reproductive Plans: Individual or couple's intentions or goals regarding having children.

Rotterdam Criteria: Diagnostic criteria for PCOS that require the presence of at least two of the following three features: (1) irregular or absent ovulation, (2) clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and (3) polycystic ovaries.

Subclinical Symptoms: Signs of a condition or disease that are not severe enough to present definite or readily observable symptoms.

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