Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a spectrum of complex endocrinopathy that affects approximately 9–21% of women in reproductive age group. 
There has been a lacuna in addressing this endocrine entity holistically due to lack of clarity regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, modality of treatment and ethnic variations in presentation. Adding ambiguity to this confusion is the very term polycystic ovary which is a misnomer. The so-called cysts in PCO women are actually follicles, which do not fulfill the histological criteria of cysts. There has been an awareness to correct this terminology. NIH Evidence-based Methodology PCOS Workshop Panel has suggested a revision of the terminology to convey appropriately the condition well in context. 
The PCOS does not afflict a woman only in her reproductive years. 
It has impact on the general health as well as quality of life through adolescence, young age, right through to old age. And yet, we do not always look upon it as a syndrome, a mismanagement of lifestyle. We see it as a disease, wrongly so. There is a dire need to understand a woman’s endocrinology and its dysfunction, especially in regards to PCOS. There is so much in our armamentarium to treat PCOS with, but the decision rests with us to make a judicious choice. 
This handbook is an attempt to elucidate the enigma called PCOS, its various presentations and the diagnosis as well as management in various stages of a woman’s life.