Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that occurs when levels of certain hormones are abnormal. Women with PCOS may have irregular or no menstrual periods, infertility, and excess hair growth. With proper treatment, PCOS can be managed, and your symptoms can be relieved. You should have long-term health care to monitor for disorders that may arise. If you have PCOS, changes in your lifestyle will improve your health.

Signs and Symptoms

Women with PCOS have a history of irregular menstrual bleeding and often have difficulty getting pregnant. They may also have unwanted hair growth in places such as the face (mainly on the upper lip and chin), between their breasts, in the lower part of the abdomen, and on the inner thighs. In severe cases, PCOS can lead to balding, lowering of the voice, and bigger muscles.

Many women with PCOS produce too much insulin, or the insulin they produce does not work as it should. This is one reason why women with PCOS tend to gain weight or have a hard time losing weight. They also have an increased risk of diabetes (a condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high), high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Causes

Each month, an egg matures in a woman’s ovary. The egg is surrounded by a sac called a follicle. The cells of the follicle first produce the hormone estrogen. The egg is then released (ovulation), and the follicle cells begin to produce progesterone as well as estrogen.

Women with PCOS produce an excess amount of male sex hormones called androgens. All women produce a certain amount of these hormones. When too much is produced, it can prevent ovulation, resulting in infertility. Too much androgen can also result in excess hair growth and irregular bleeding.

Diagnosis

Women who are not ovulating and have signs of androgen excess are considered to have PCOS. The diagnosis is based on a medical history, physical examination, and lab tests. Your doctor will ask you about your health, menstrual cycle, and any unwanted hair growth. During a complete physical exam, your doctor will look for signs of androgen excess and measure your blood pressure. They may also measure your waist, hips, height, and weight. Blood tests may be done to look for signs of diabetes or to check the levels of hormones or other substances.

An ultrasound exam may be done to look for small cysts on the ovary. These cysts often occur with PCOS.

Treatment

PCOS is a lifelong condition, but it can be treated in many ways. Treatment depends on the symptoms and whether a woman wants to become pregnant. Long-term treatment may be needed to help prevent endometrial cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes

Daily exercise improves the body’s use of insulin and can help relieve symptoms of PCOS. Many of the symptoms of PCOS may be improved by daily exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

In some women with PCOS, weight loss will lower insulin levels enough to allow ovulation to begin. It may also help slow new hair growth. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for advice on how to lose weight.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe progesterone, other hormones, or birth control pills to bring on regular menstrual bleeding. Women who wish to become pregnant may be given medications to help them ovulate. Some women with PCOS will be prescribed medication to lower their insulin levels.

Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills and other medications to help slow the growth of new body hair. It may take several months for you to notice any results. These medications likely will not remove hair that is already there. Unwanted hair can be removed by shaving, electrolysis, or other hair removal methods.

If needed, other medications may be used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.