Understanding Polycystic Ovary (PCOS): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where your ovaries does not work properly, and your ovulation cycle is disrupted. As a result, your female hormone levels are low, and your male hormones are higher than usual.
It is a very common problem, and it effects women in childbearing age (15-45).
Women with PCOS usually suffer from acne, excess facial hair and they are commonly overweight.
Since women with PCOS does not ovulate regularly, it might be difficult to get pregnant.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Isosexual virilization
- Polycystic Ovaries

Signs & symptoms

Irregular, long and heavy menstrual cycle (getting you period less then 8 times a year) is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS.
You might also suffer from thick and dark hair growing over your upper lip, chin, back and belly.
Other symptoms include weight gain, acne and male pattern hair loss.

Diagnosis

Physical exam: your doctor will look for acne, excess body hair and wight gain
Blood tests: to check your male and female hormone levels
Pelvic ultrasound to demonstrate cysts in your ovaries
In order to diagnose PCOS you will need to fill at least two out of the three criteria: high androgen (male hormones) levels, irregular periods and cystic ovaries.

Treatment

The most common treatment for polycystic ovaries is birth control pills. It will not cure the disease but will relief many of its symptoms.
Your doctor may suggest additional medications to treat severe acne, excess facial hair and overweight.
finally, if you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can improve many of your symptoms.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital