Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. In addition to their inherent polycystic ovary, hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction, there are obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and other metabolic abnormalities. With the change of living environment, the incidence of PCOS gradually increases. If the condition is not improved for a long time, it will not only affect reproductive health, but also affect general health. Although we have made a little progress in understanding PCOS, the complicated etiology and heterogeneous clinical manifestations suggested that the comprehensive treatment was very important for those PCOS women. For those PCOS women with fertility demand, the ovulation induced with drugs will help them to get pregnancy. However, the objective of the ovulation induction should be to get a single developed follicle, and to avoid the multiple developing follicles. In IVF/ICSI cycles, an excess of developing follicles should be avoided so as to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy. The research progress of the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS were briefly discussed in this review.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Androgens, Insulin resistance, Hyperinsulinism, Metformin