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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders, it is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility. Between 5-10% of females aged 18 to 44 are affected by PCOS in some way. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Certainly a miscommunication occurs among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and fatty tissue. Both genetic and environmental factors such as, diet, pollution, sedentary lifestyle and stress contribute to its development. Unrecognised and untreated PCOS can lead to diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, possibly cardiac disease, and an increase in endometrial cancer. PCOS Management includes (1) weight loss and exercise (2) Medical treatment which may be considered under four categories: 1-Lowering of insulin levels (by using insulin-sensitising drugs) 2-Restoration of fertility 3-Treatment of hirsutism or acne 4-Restoration of regular menstruation, and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

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Dr. Entisar Jawad Hamad Al-Mukhtar, Assistant Professor in pharmacology and toxicology. Since 1994 is a member staff in the pharmacology and toxicology department at collage of medicine, in the university of Babylon, Hilla-Iraq.

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