The role of the central nervous system in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

This article reviews the master gland concept and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis with respect to embryological development and maturation through normal puberty. Intrinsic function and extrinsic modulation of the pulse generator are discussed. The neuroendocrine disturbances evident in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are reviewed and put into the context of the recent consensus definition of the syndrome. Modern theories are presented addressing a significant role for neuroendocrine dysfunction during pubertal maturation in the aetiology of PCOS.