Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is hormone abnormalities happen in women during reproductive years. If you have PCOS, you may have very irregular and unpredictable menses. You may also have too much male hormone called androgen in your body.
With PCOS, many small fluid filled sacs develop in your ovaries. These are called cysts. These are eggs and many
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may lower the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS often start around the time of the first menstrual period. Sometimes symptoms develop later after you have had periods for a while.
The symptoms of PCOS vary. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you have at least two of these:
- Irregular periods. Having few menstrual periods or having irregular periods. So is having periods that last for many days or longer than is typical for a period. For example, you might have fewer than eight periods a year. You may have trouble getting pregnant.
- Too much androgen. High levels of the hormone androgen may result in excess facial and body hair, severe acne and male-pattern baldness can happen too.
- Polycystic ovaries. Many follicles containing immature eggs. The ovaries might not work the way they should.
PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe in people with obesity.
See our doctor if you're worried about your periods, if you're having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have signs of excess androgen.
Complications
Complications of PCOS can include:
- Infertility
- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat build-up in the liver
- Metabolic syndrome — conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels that increase your risk of heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)
Inquiry - PCOS & Irregular Menses