Gynecologic disorders are disorders that affect the female reproductive system. The most common symptoms of gynecologic disorders include pelvic pain, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and breast pain and lumps (see Breast Disorders). The significance of these symptoms often depends on the woman's age because symptoms may be related to the hormonal changes that occur with aging. Hairiness (excess body hair) in women, called hirsutism (see Hair Disorders: Hairiness), is sometimes thought of as a gynecologic symptom because excess body hair is considered abnormal only in women. Also, it usually results from high levels of male hormones, which affect the female reproductive system.

Last full review/revision May 2012 by David H. Barad, MD, MS