PCOS: Fast Facts

Reviewed By:
Joanne Poje Tomasulo, M.D., ACOG

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a type of reproductive disorder in which excessive amounts of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone are produced by the ovaries.
  
  
• The cause of PCOS is not completely known and research is being conducted to further understand the condition.
  
  
• Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, enlarged ovaries containing tiny cysts, excessive hair growth, excessive weight gain, acne and male pattern hair thinning.
  
  
• PCOS may put women at risk for more serious health complications such as infertility, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity and uterine cancer.
  
  
• Because some of the symptoms of PCOS are similar to other conditions, diagnosis of PCOS usually begins with ruling out other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms.
  
  
• While a number of medical tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, there is no single test to diagnose PCOS.
  
  
• Many women with PCOS have variations of the typical symptoms, which may make diagnosis difficult.
  
  
• Because of the variable nature of the syndrome, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology redefined the guidelines for PCOS diagnosis.
  
  
• To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must have two of the following: irregular or absent ovulation, elevated levels of androgens, or polycystic ovaries.
  
  
• PCOS is a lifelong condition, and there is no known method of prevention.
  
  
• The condition resolves spontaneously only in rare cases.
  
  
• A number of treatments are available to relieve its symptoms and prevent the risk of more serious complications.
  
  
• Treatment of PCOS varies depending on whether the woman wishes to become pregnant, and may include medications for birth control or fertility.
  
  
• Women with PCOS are advised to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.