Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms.

The Symptoms of PCOS include: Irregular or No Menstrual Periods; Acne; Obesity; and Excess Hair Growth. Other Signs and Symptoms of PCOS include: Weight Gain, Acne, Oily Skin, Dandruff, Infertility, Skin discolorations, High Cholesterol levels, Elevated Blood Pressure, and Abnormal Hair Growth and distribution. 

The ovaries of women with PCOS frequently contain a number of small cysts, hence the name Poly (many) Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

The Diagnosis is usually a clinical one based on the Patient's History, Physical Examination, and Laboratory Testing. Serum levels of male hormones (Testosterone) may be elevated. However, levels of testosterone that are highly elevated are not unusual with PCOS and call for additional evaluation. Additionally, levels of a hormone released by the brain (LH) are elevated. More powerful and expensive imaging methods such as Computed Tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also can detect cysts. 

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss. Additionally, it is important for women with PCOS to have regular periods. If a woman does not have regular periods, her risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) is increased. Medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods. Obesity is a complication of PCOS. 

The Cyst is compared to the GRANTHI in Ayurvedic Classicai Texts. There is a reference of Granthi over the Beejakosha for which comparative entity may be OVARIAN CYST in Modern Medicine. This Granthi causes Vandhyathwa (Infertility) and Animiyatha Arthava. Thus PCOS is under the purview of Shalya Tantra (Surgery) though the first Line of Treatment is Oushadha Chikitsa (Internal Medicines). The Medicines employed in the management of PCOS have Lekhana, Shothahara, Arthavajanana and Garbhasthapaka Properties.