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Polycystic ovary syndrome is quite common. But no-one knows exactly how many women have it. That's because lots of women don't see a doctor, or their doctor doesn't spot it.

Also, the tests that doctors use for polycystic ovary syndrome have changed over the years, so it's hard to get a clear picture.

One study showed that in the United States:¹

• Between 2 in 100 and 8 in 100 women have PCOS
• PCOS is just as common in black, white and Hispanic women.

In another study, the researches said that the actual figure is about 1 in 10 women. That's around 5 million women in the United States.²

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.