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

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Polycystic Ovary (PCOS)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

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

General

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.

6,598 people with Polycystic Ovary (PCOS) are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

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.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

Sunflower1999

Struggling with PCOS, Birth Control, and Exhaustion

Sunflower1999

Concerns about Clot Size on Depo Shot

Tati96

Concerns about Ovary Biopsy for PCOS Diagnosis

TJ82

Living with Sleep Apnea and Multiple Health Conditions

Amy260

Struggling with PCOS, High Cholesterol, and Weight -...

100Percent_K

I have PCOS, but my uterus is not tilted. A tilted...

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Struggling with PCOS, Birth Control, and Exhaustion

Concerns about Clot Size on Depo Shot

Concerns about Ovary Biopsy for PCOS Diagnosis

Living with Sleep Apnea and Multiple Health Conditions

Struggling with PCOS, High Cholesterol, and Weight - Need Motivation!

I have PCOS, but my uterus is not tilted. A tilted uterus is separate from **PCOS**.

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process

Sign In