Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a condition in which the ovaries contain many cysts that are often filled with fluid. It is said to be the most common endocrinological disorder for modern women. According to the Health and Wellness Resource Center, ovaries are small organs in the lower part of the abdomen in women. In fact, each one is the size of an almond! However, with PCOS, as they fill with cysts, they must enlarge to accommodate the cysts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS. Furthermore, they say that approximately five million women in the United States alone could be affected. Even eleven-year-old girls can be affected by PCOS. So, this has become an important part of the modern experience for many women and girls. The history of PCOS is quite interesting as it dates back to the times of the ancient Egyptians. However, they have documented the syndrome very little. Later, between 400 and 377 BC, Hippocrates was one of the first physicians to begin documenting the onset of PCOS in women of his time. He observes: “But those women whose menstruation lasts less than three days or is scanty, are robust, with a healthy complexion and a masculine appearance; however they do not worry about having children nor do they become pregnant;” (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Ancient Disorder?; April 2011). It is said that the cause of PCOS is not exactly known, however, researchers and doctors believe that PCOS tends to occur in women whose ovaries produce more male hormones than female hormones. In fact, the outward signs and symptoms may be those of excessive facial and body hair, weight gain and darkening, and/or this… middle of paper… modern science has created many ways to diagnose this syndrome, many women who suffer from it go undiagnosed. Works Cited Eisenberg, Esther, MD, MPH (2010, March 17), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; retrieved from http://www.womensheath.org. US Department of Health and Human Services. Author unknown (2012, May 1), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource Center at http://www.lirn.net.Diamanti-Kandarakis, Evanthia, MD (January 2008), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Molecular Aspects, and Clinical Implications; excerpted from Proquest Health and Medical Complete http://www.lirn.net Azziz, Ricardo, MD, MPH, MBA, Dumesic, Daniel, MD, Goodarzi, Mark O., MD, PhD; April 2011, vol. 95, No. 5 Polycystic ovary syndrome: an ancient disorder?; retrieved from Editor's Corner's Fertility and Sterility, http://www.lirn.net.