Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in women of
reproductive age. There is no clear association between PCOS and benign breast disease
(BBD). The latter is a frequent benign disorder, affecting women between 20 and 50
years of age. To date, the classification remains controversial, and the risk of developing
breast cancer that is associated with these changes is different depending on the
histopathological findings. The most frequent changes are breast cysts, which are
noted in up to 50% of patients older than 30 years of age. This up-to-date review
presents the relationship between PCOS and BBD. In conclusion, there is no clear association
between benign breast disease and PCOS. Further studies on a large population with
prospectively collected data using updated PCOS criteria are necessary.
Key words
polycystic ovarian syndrome - benign breast disease - fibrocystic breast changes -
obesity - insulin resistance