Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentAlternative TreatmentsComplicationsPCOS and PregnancyIncreasing Fertility OddsDietOutlookNext in PCOS GuideSymptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Alternative Treatments
Complications
PCOS and Pregnancy
Increasing Fertility Odds
Diet
Outlook
Next in PCOS Guide
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries. PCOS causes hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems; it may lead to infertility.
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 adults with ovaries. It is usually diagnosed in a person’s 20s or 30s but can occur at any age after puberty.There is no cure for PCOS, although it can be managed. PCOS often causes irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and infertility.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for PCOS.
StÃgur Már Karlsson /Heimsmyndir/ Getty Images
PCOS Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOScan vary, and most people with the disorder will not experience all of them. The most common symptom isirregular menstrual periods.People with PCOS may experience missed or frequent periods more often than every 21 days.
Additional symptoms of PCOS include:
Exploring the Role of Ovarian Follicles in Reproductive Health
What Are the First Signs of PCOS?
The first sign of PCOS is usually irregular periods. You may notice missed periods. People with PCOS may also experience menstrual cycles that are longer or shorter than average.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but researchers have identified several risk factors. People with PCOS tend to have high levels ofandrogens, hormones usually associated with the male sex. Having a high level of androgens may prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. High androgen levels may also lead to facial hair growth and acne.
People with PCOS are also more likely to haveinsulin resistancewhen the body’s cells do not typically respond to insulin. This results in higher levels of insulin as the body tries to control the blood sugar level.
Excess weight, lack of physical activity, and a family history of diabetes are also PCOS risk factors.
PCOS
Low Progesterone Effects: How to Raise Your Levels
Diagnosis: How to Test for PCOS
When you and a healthcare provider suspect you have PCOS, you will likely undergo several tests to rule out other syndromes and conditions. Tests used todiagnose PCOSinclude:
To diagnose PCOS, at least two of the following symptoms must be present:
PCOS Treatment
There is no permanent cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be well-managed. Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, and any other complications.
Weight Loss
Obesity or being overweight is a risk factor for PCOS. If you have this risk factor, losing weight could significantly improve your symptoms. Lifestyle changes that help with weight loss include healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Weight losshas been linked to lower blood glucose and insulin levels and improved hormonal balance. A 10% reduction in body weight can lead to more regular menstrual periods and improved fertility.
Hair Removal
Removing new facial or body hair through hair removal cream, laser hair removal, orelectrolysisis possible. Be sure to use a gentle cream specifically made for facial hair.
You can also slow the growth of facial and body hair. Talk with a healthcare provider about a topical prescription cream like Vaniqua (eflornithine).
Medications
Discuss medication options with a healthcare provider if lifestyle changes have not effectively managed your PCOS symptoms. The goal of medication therapy is usually to make the menstrual cycle more regular and improve the balance of hormones.
Medications used to treat PCOS may include:
Surgery
Surgery may be used to improve fertility for those who are trying to become pregnant with PCOS. PCOS surgery is known asovarian drilling. A surgeon makes small (laparoscopic) cuts in the abdomen and uses a needle with an electric current to make tiny holes in the ovary. This then leads to lower androgen levels and increases the odds of ovulation.
Ovarian drilling aims to increase the chances of ovulation occurring each month. It is only used in people struggling with fertility and who have already tried lifestyle changes and medications.
Alternative PCOS Treatment
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can improve PCOS symptoms, especially for those who want to avoid taking hormonal birth control or other hormonal treatments. Alternative therapies that have been proven effective in the management of PCOS symptoms include:
PCOS Complications
PCOS can lead toother health problems, and people with PCOS are at an increased risk of experiencing:
PCOS raises the risk of:
To lower your risk of complications during pregnancy, it is best to start preparing before you become pregnant. Work with a healthcare provider to maintain a healthy weight and control blood sugar. It is also important to start taking a folic acid supplement as well.
Increasing Fertility Odds With PCOS
PCOS is a common cause of infertility, but it is treatable. The hormonal imbalances that characterize PCOS affect your body’s ability to ovulate. Withoutovulation, your body cannot release an egg for fertilization and become pregnant.
To improve yourfertility when you have PCOS, consider the following steps:
PCOS Diet
Your diet can significantly impact PCOS symptoms and how you feel daily. Healthy dietary changes have been linked to weight loss and improved hormonal balance, insulin levels, and blood sugar. Both aMediterranean dietand theDASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diethave been found to improve PCOS symptoms.
Foods that are part of a healthyPCOS dietinclude:
Foods to avoid with PCOS include:
4 Facts About Healthy Eating With PCOS
PCOS Outlook
There is no known cure for PCOS, but this syndrome can be well-managed. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular physical activity can improve PCOS symptoms.A healthcare provider can help you with the right medications or other treatments.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes.Kumar A, Naguib YW, Shi YC, Cui Z.A method to improve the efficacy of topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream.Drug Deliv. 2016;23(5):1495-1501. doi:10.3109/10717544.2014.951746National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Jia LY, Feng JX, Li JL, et al.The complementary and alternative medicine for polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of clinical application and mechanism.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5555315. doi:10.1155/2021/5555315Xenou M, Gourounti K.Dietary patterns and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.Maedica (Bucur). 2021;16(3):516-521. doi:10.26574/maedica.2020.16.3.516MedlinePlus.PCOS | Polycystic ovary syndrome.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes.Kumar A, Naguib YW, Shi YC, Cui Z.A method to improve the efficacy of topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream.Drug Deliv. 2016;23(5):1495-1501. doi:10.3109/10717544.2014.951746National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Jia LY, Feng JX, Li JL, et al.The complementary and alternative medicine for polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of clinical application and mechanism.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5555315. doi:10.1155/2021/5555315Xenou M, Gourounti K.Dietary patterns and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.Maedica (Bucur). 2021;16(3):516-521. doi:10.26574/maedica.2020.16.3.516MedlinePlus.PCOS | Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes.Kumar A, Naguib YW, Shi YC, Cui Z.A method to improve the efficacy of topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream.Drug Deliv. 2016;23(5):1495-1501. doi:10.3109/10717544.2014.951746National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Jia LY, Feng JX, Li JL, et al.The complementary and alternative medicine for polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of clinical application and mechanism.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5555315. doi:10.1155/2021/5555315Xenou M, Gourounti K.Dietary patterns and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.Maedica (Bucur). 2021;16(3):516-521. doi:10.26574/maedica.2020.16.3.516MedlinePlus.PCOS | Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes.
Kumar A, Naguib YW, Shi YC, Cui Z.A method to improve the efficacy of topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream.Drug Deliv. 2016;23(5):1495-1501. doi:10.3109/10717544.2014.951746
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Jia LY, Feng JX, Li JL, et al.The complementary and alternative medicine for polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of clinical application and mechanism.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5555315. doi:10.1155/2021/5555315
Xenou M, Gourounti K.Dietary patterns and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.Maedica (Bucur). 2021;16(3):516-521. doi:10.26574/maedica.2020.16.3.516
MedlinePlus.PCOS | Polycystic ovary syndrome.
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