Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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If you're experiencing missed periods, sudden weight gain or excess hair growth, you could be experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This common condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance that affects the reproductive system and your overall health.

Image Assetillustration of a female reproductive system showing a normal ovary on one side and an ovary with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on the other. The PCOS-affected ovary is enlarged and contains multiple fluid-filled cysts.
The image compares a normal ovary to an ovary affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), highlighting the presence of multiple cysts.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects metabolism, reproductive health and overall bodily functions.

PCOS develops when the ovaries produce excess hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances that cause ovarian cysts, irregular periods and ovulation issues.

While the exact cause is unknown, insulin resistance, adrenal gland dysfunction and abnormal hormone levels are known to be contributing factors.

What hormones contribute to PCOS?

Several hormones play a role in PCOS, contributing to PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth and weight gain. These include:

  • Androgens (male hormones): High testosterone levels contribute to acne, unwanted hair growth and hair thinning.
  • Estrogen: While estrogen may be normal or slightly elevated, an overall hormonal imbalance can affect reproductive health.
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Low FSH levels impact egg development, reducing fertility.
  • Insulin: Many people with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain and trigger increased testosterone production.
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH): Elevated LH levels can disrupt ovulation, making conception more difficult.
  • Progesterone: Low progesterone levels lead to irregular or missed periods.

PCOS treatment involves restoring hormonal balance through lifestyle changes, PCOS medications and targeted treatments.

What are PCOS symptoms?

PCOS symptoms can vary in each person, but common PCOS symptoms include:

  • Irregular or missed periods
  • Excess hair growth on the face and body
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Weight gain, especially around the midsection
  • Thinning hair or hair loss
  • Skin darkening in certain areas
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

What worsens PCOS?

Certain factors can make PCOS symptoms worse, including:

  • Insulin resistance
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • High stress levels
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Weight gain

Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress and following your doctor’s treatment plan, can help reduce PCOS symptoms.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed through medical history, symptom evaluation and various tests to check your hormone levels and ovarian health. Because PCOS symptoms can mimic other conditions, your doctor may want to rule out other causes before making a diagnosis.

During your exam, your doctor may:

  • Ask about menstrual cycles, weight changes and your symptoms such as acne or excess hair growth.
  • Conduct blood tests to check hormone levels, blood sugar and cholesterol.
  • Use an ultrasound to examine the ovaries for cysts and assess the uterine lining.

What other conditions are linked to PCOS?

If PCOS is left untreated or unmanaged, it can lead to several health conditions, including:

Can you still get pregnant if you have PCOS?

Yes, people with PCOS can get pregnant, though irregular ovulation can make conception more difficult. However, several treatments can boost fertility.

Your doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, losing weight and getting regular exercise. The changes can also reduce your stress levels, which can also ease PCOS symptoms.

Certain PCOS medications, including ovulation stimulants and birth control pills, can regulate menstrual cycles. Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovarian drilling may also be recommended for those struggling to get pregnant.

While PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant, many people go on to have healthy pregnancies. If you’re trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about PCOS treatment options to help improve fertility.

PCOS treatments & medications

Although PCOS cannot be cured, treatments focus on controlling symptoms and improving overall health. Common treatment options include:

  • Birth control pills: Help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles.
  • Medications: Reduce excess hormones and improve ovulation.
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Healthy eating and regular exercise promote weight loss and PCOS symptom relief.
  • Insulin-sensitizing drugs: Aid in managing insulin resistance in PCOS patients.