Is there a difference btwn Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome and Poly-Cystic Ovaries?

[whatmess]

Some websites suggest there is but then don't seem to clarify what this difference is? Any ideas?

I think the answer is yes - you can have ovaries with polycycstic appearance without having the syndrome. There is a technical definition for this but you have to have a certain number of a list of factors to be considered to have the syndrome. These are things like: hormone imbalance, problems controlling weight, excess hair, insulin resistance, acne, etc.

What Euro said. Polycystic ovaries are one part of the syndrome, you can have the ovaries without any other aspects of the syndrome (I have done in the past).

Yep, you can also have the syndrome part without the ovaries being polycystic. My last scan showed they were clear but I'm still having issues with weight, hair, hormones all over the place etc.

I'm not too sure but I've just been diagnosed with PCOS and I think you can have polycistic ovaries (basically cysts on the ovaries) without having the syndrome (high levels of LSH and testosterone). Not sure how it affects TTC differently, but I think that's the difference!

Hmm, very helpful, thank you. I was diagnosed with PCO not the syndrome. My weight is not really an issue, 26 BMI which is just in the overweight category but waistline is def not okay. All my hormone tests came back okay but then periods are very erratic. And the excess hair is what I'd consider normal for a woman my age. A few in places I wish they wouldn't grow, but not excessive.
I couldn't understand why I didn't have more obvious symptoms except the very irregular periods, but that explains it.
Thank you all.

I think so. Years ago I had scans which showed cysts on my ovaries, and one very big one which then just disappeared when I went for follow up two weeks later. But the hormone tests were all within normal range (although highish), and my periods are very regular. I am hairy like a yeti, but that could be hereditary! I don't know what the implication is for conception, but have been pg twice withing three and four months, although this time it's taking longer. So it doesn't seem to have been a problem for me.

I had/have PCOS (syndrome and polycystic ovaries). I was diagnosed when I was 19. I suddenly developed acne after severe weight loss (food poisoning while on trip to India). But my weight stablised and I spent the next 16 yrs taking care of myself, yoga regular exercise, not too much of anything. Spots cleared up and have no scars although I do get small dark hairs on neck which I just tweeze out. Most importanly kept my weight stable 9st ish and 5'7. I conceived my DD three months after coming off the mini pill and am now TTC for no 2, although I have a feeling the PCOS may have more impact now I'm in my 40s.
Jsut because you have PCOS does not mean you are infertile. I did have regular periods though.
whatmess do you exercise. Yoga helped get my stress levels down which in turn meant I kept weight off and was able to make healthy food choices. Even a few sun saluations each day.