Polycystic ovaries; Polycystic ovary disease; Stein-Leventhal syndrome; Polyfollicular ovarian disease; PCOS DefinitionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman has increased levels of male hormones (androgens). Many problems occur as a result of this increase of hormones, including:
CausesPCOS is linked to changes in hormone levels that make it harder for the ovaries to release fully-grown (mature) eggs. The reasons for these changes are unclear. The hormones affected are:
Normally, one or more eggs are released during a woman's cycle. This is known as ovulation. In most cases, this release of eggs occurs about 2 weeks after the start of a menstrual period. In many women with PCOS, mature eggs are not released. Instead, they stay in the ovaries with a small amount of fluid (cyst) around them. The affected ovary may be slightly enlarged. There can be many of these. However, not all women with the condition will have ovaries with this appearance. Women with PCOS have cycles where ovulation does not occur every month which may contribute to infertility The other symptoms of this disorder are due to the high levels of male hormones. Most of the time, PCOS is diagnosed in women in their 20s or 30s. However, it may also affect teenage girls. The symptoms often begin when a girl's periods start. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has similar symptoms. SymptomsSymptoms of PCOS include changes in the menstrual cycle, such as:
Other symptoms of PCOS include:
The development of male characteristics is not typical of PCOS and may indicate another problem. The following changes may indicate another problem apart from PCOS:
Exams and TestsYour health care provider will perform a physical exam. This will include a pelvic exam. The exam may show:
The following health conditions are common in women with PCOS:
Your provider will check your weight and body mass index (BMI) and measure your belly size. Blood tests can be done to check hormone levels. These tests may include:
Other blood tests that may be done include:
Your provider may also perform or order an ultrasound of your pelvis to look at your ovaries. TreatmentWeight gain and obesity are common in women with PCOS. Losing even a small amount of weight can help treat:
Your provider may prescribe birth control pills to make your periods more regular. These pills may also help reduce abnormal hair growth and acne if you take them for several months. Long acting methods of contraception hormones, such as hormone releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), may help to stop irregular periods and the abnormal growth of the uterine lining. A diabetes medicine called metformin (Glucophage) may also be prescribed to:
Other medicines that may be prescribed to help make your periods regular and help you get pregnant are:
These medicines work better if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 kilograms per square meter or less (below the obese range). Your provider may also suggest other treatments for abnormal hair growth. Some are:
Effective methods of hair removal include electrolysis and laser hair removal. However, many treatments may be needed. Treatments are expensive and the results are often not permanent. A pelvic laparoscopy may be done to remove or alter an ovary to treat infertility. This improves the chances of releasing an egg. The effects are temporary. Outlook (Prognosis)With treatment, women with PCOS are very often able to get pregnant. During pregnancy, there is an increased risk of:
Possible ComplicationsWomen with PCOS are more likely to develop:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. ReferencesBulun SE. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17. Catherino WH. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 218. Lobo RA. Polycystic ovary syndrome. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 39. Zi-Jiang C, Legro RS, Ehrmann DA, Wei D. Androgen excess disorders in women. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 124. | |
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Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Endocrine glands
Pelvic laparoscopy
Female reproductiv...
Stein-Leventhal sy...
Uterus
Follicle developme...
