Animal models of the polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype

•Perinatal steroid excess can program PCOS phenotypic expression.•Perinatal steroid excess can occur through many environmental sources.•Translation of animal studies to findings in PCOS women has strengths and weaknesses.

The etiology of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear, despite its high prevalence among infertility disorders in women of reproductive age. Although there is evidence for a genetic component of the disorder, other causes, such as prenatal insults are considered among the potential factors that may contribute to the development of the syndrome. Over the past few decades, several animal models have been developed in an attempt to understand the potential contribution of exposure to excess steroids on the development of this syndrome. The current review summarizes the phenotypes of current animal models exposed to excess steroid during the prenatal and early postnatal period and how they compare with the phenotype seen in women with PCOS.