Objective: To review the recentprogress in the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of poly- cystic ovary disease (PCOD). Design: A review describing the progress in understanding of the dysregulation of ovarian andro- gen biosynthesis in polycystic ovary disease (PCOD). Setting: The Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Podolské nábř. 157, 147 10 Prague 4, Sanatorium Pronatal, Na Dlouhé mezi 4/12, 147 00 Praha 4-Hodkovičky. Conclusion: It is proposed, that althought this syndrome is very heterogeneous, the final common pathway involves a dysregulation of enzymes responsible for ovarian androgen biosynthesis, po- ssibly induced/influenced by extraovarian factors - especially insulin resistence, hyperinsulinae-mie, growth factors, luteinizing hormone and their biochemical sequelae. It’s probably extraovari- an factors that determine endocrinological and clinical expression of the disease.

        Key words: polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), insulin, insulin resistance