The presence of two of the three following alterations confirms the diagnosis:

1. Oligo-menorrhea (less than nine menstruations a year) or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

2. Hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia by hyper-androgenism or raised levels of testosterone in blood.

3. Polycystic ovaries in ultrasound.

Obesity, in spite of being common in this syndrome, is not a key factor for its diagnosis. Due to the ovulation absence, infertility and dysfunctional uterine hemorrhage is frequent.

There is no a single causal agent in the spectrum of abnormalities that occur in the POS. Due to the hormonal stimulation of the ovaries, masculine sexual hormones (androgens) in excess are produced. Due to hyperinsulinemia testosterone levels are high.

Clinical components

POS is part of the Metabolic Syndrome where resistance to insulin is the main manifestation. Obesity is present in 30 to 75% of the cases, but its cause is unknown, and is associated with excess of androgens in blood, resistance to insulin, intolerance to sugar and lipid increase in blood.

40% of the patients have intolerance to sugar and 10% develop Diabetes Mellitus. Other clinical components of POS are: Arterial hypertension, Ischemic cardiopathy, increase of triglycerides, LDL (bad Cholesterol) and reduction of HDL (good cholesterol), sleep Apnea .

Hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma have been associated with the syndrome, likewise breast and ovary cancer.

Treatment

Nutritional recommendations to lower weight are important to reduce obese symptoms in and an improving in insulin sensitivity.

The treatment with synthetic drugs does not eliminate ovary cysts; it's only symptomatic and consists of drugs such as: oral contraceptives, oral anti-androgenics and hypo-glycemiants; nevertheless they all can produce secondary effects.

Studies carried out in POS patients at the Adaptogenic Educational Medical Centers and Units have demonstrated that the Systemic Therapy with superior plants diminish and eliminate ina great majority of ovary cists. They also reduce or eliminate the symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility and obesity. Reduce resistance to insulin and prevent surgery. Additionally they improve the quality of life in 99% of the patients without any secondary effects.