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9.08.2004
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation. Women with PCOS do not have normal, regular menstrual cycles. This hormonal imbalance also affects other body systems, such as the metabolic and cardiovascular systems.
Most women with PCOS will have numerous small cysts (less than the size of a pea) on their ovaries at some time. However, some women with PCOS do not have polycystic ovaries but have other symptoms of the syndrome.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but genetics may be a factor. You have an increased risk of PCOS if you have a family history of PCOS. If you have the syndrome, your sisters and daughters have a 50% chance of developing PCOS. You may also have an increased risk of PCOS if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes.1
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Because there is such a wide range of symptoms, PCOS is defined as a syndrome, not a disease. The most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles; acne; weight problems, such as weight gain or upper body obesity; and abnormal hair growth. Many women also experience infertility or pregnancy loss. The ovaries often become enlarged and may contain one or more abnormal cysts (see an illustration of the female reproductive organs). Enlarged ovaries may be detected on a pelvic exam or by a transvaginal ultrasound.
Many symptoms of PCOS occur either early in the condition or develop gradually. Women with PCOS may have insulin resistance and have an increased risk for diabetes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation. Women with PCOS do not have normal, regular menstrual cycles. This hormonal imbalance also affects other body systems, such as the metabolic and cardiovascular systems.
Most women with PCOS will have numerous small cysts (less than the size of a pea) on their ovaries at some time. However, some women with PCOS do not have polycystic ovaries but have other symptoms of the syndrome.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but genetics may be a factor. You have an increased risk of PCOS if you have a family history of PCOS. If you have the syndrome, your sisters and daughters have a 50% chance of developing PCOS. You may also have an increased risk of PCOS if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes.1
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Because there is such a wide range of symptoms, PCOS is defined as a syndrome, not a disease. The most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles; acne; weight problems, such as weight gain or upper body obesity; and abnormal hair growth. Many women also experience infertility or pregnancy loss. The ovaries often become enlarged and may contain one or more abnormal cysts (see an illustration of the female reproductive organs). Enlarged ovaries may be detected on a pelvic exam or by a transvaginal ultrasound.
Many symptoms of PCOS occur either early in the condition or develop gradually. Women with PCOS may have insulin resistance and have an increased risk for diabetes.
