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Discover Women's Health Research

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Overview

Overview

PCOS and Women's Health

PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries or adrenal glands produce more androgens than normal. PCOS causes cysts to grow on the ovaries.1

NIH Research Highlight

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) supports a broad spectrum of research on PCOS. Researchers at NICHD are working to understand the genetic causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition and to evaluate potential new treatments. In addition, NICHD-supported studies are looking at precursors and predictors of PCOS in adolescents to develop early detection methods.2

References

  1. MedlinePlus. Polycystic ovary syndrome. National Library of Medicine. Updated September 23, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/polycysticovarysyndrome.html
  2. NICHD PCOS research information. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Updated August 21, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/researchinfo

Learn More About NIH Resources for PCOS Research

NIH-Awarded Projects

Clinical Trials

Scientific Literature

Health Topic Summary

Last updated: 05/12/2025