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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

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Definition

Polycystic ovary disease is a condition in which there are many small cysts in the ovaries, which can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant.

Symptoms

If you have polycystic ovary disease, you are likely to have some of the following symptoms:

  • Abnormal, irregular, or very light or infrequent menstrual periods
  • Absent periods, usually (but not always) after having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty (secondary amenorrhea)
  • Acne that gets worse
  • Decreased breast size
  • Development of male sex characteristics (virilization), such as increased body hair, facial hair, a deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, and enlargement of the clitoris
  • Diabetes
  • Increased hair growth; body hair may be in a male pattern
  • Infertility
  • Poor response to the hormone, insulin (insulin resistance), leading to a build-up of insulin in the blood
  • Weight gain, or obesity
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