Are ovarian cysts the same as polycystic ovaries?

Ovarian cysts and polycystic ovaries are not the same. Ovarian cysts are a type of benign tumor occurring in the female ovary, whereas polycystic ovaries result from secondary changes caused by endocrine disorders involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. The key difference between polycystic ovarian changes and ovarian cysts lies in an imbalance in female sex hormone levels. Therefore, treatment for polycystic ovaries differs from that for ovarian cysts. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience symptoms such as infrequent menstruation and obesity.