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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries and overall health, often characterized by irregular ovulation, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts.

Overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance. Diagnosis typically requires at least two of the following:

  • Not ovulating: Eggs may not develop or release properly, leading to irregular or absent periods.
  • High levels of androgens: These hormones can cause hirsutism (extra body or facial hair).
  • Cysts in one or both ovaries: Small, fluid-filled sacs.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors include genetics, androgen imbalances, and insulin resistance, where the body cannot use insulin properly to manage blood glucose.

Symptoms

Symptoms often appear around the first period but can develop later. They include:

  • Irregular or missed menstrual periods
  • Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or thighs
  • Obesity or difficulty losing weight
  • Severe acne and oily skin
  • Acanthosis nigricans (patches of thickened dark skin)
  • Infertility

Linked Health Problems

PCOS is associated with several long-term health risks, including:

  • Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease and high blood pressure
  • High LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low HDL ("good") cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • Depression and anxiety

Diagnosis

There is no single test for PCOS. Providers diagnose it through a physical exam, medical history, pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound to check for cysts and endometrial thickness, and blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment & Management

While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through:

  • Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and healthy eating.
  • Medicines: Hormonal birth control to regulate periods, anti-androgen medicines, insulin-sensitizing medicines, and acne treatments.
  • Hair removal: Creams, laser hair removal, or electrolysis.
  • Fertility treatments: Medications or procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Frequently Asked Questions

Irregular periods are a common symptom of many conditions, so a doctor will typically order blood tests to check thyroid function (TSH), prolactin levels, and androgen levels (such as testosterone and DHEA-S) to rule out other causes. A pelvic ultrasound may also be performed to look for polycystic ovarian morphology. If you have at least two of the three diagnostic criteria (irregular ovulation, high androgens, or polycystic ovaries) and other causes are excluded, a PCOS diagnosis is likely.
While there is no single "PCOS diet," focusing on low-glycemic index foods helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels. This includes prioritizing whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber vegetables over refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. Many patients find that intermittent fasting or consistent meal timing helps improve insulin sensitivity, but it is important to consult a registered dietitian to create a sustainable plan that supports weight management without causing nutrient deficiencies.
PCOS increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to heart disease. You should request regular screenings for blood pressure, fasting glucose or HbA1c, and a lipid panel at least annually. Managing these metabolic markers through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary, is crucial for reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.
Yes, many women manage PCOS symptoms effectively with lifestyle modifications alone, particularly if they are overweight, as losing even 5-10% of body weight can restore ovulation and lower androgen levels. However, if you have severe acne, excessive hair growth, or very irregular periods that cause endometrial thickening, your provider may recommend hormonal birth control or anti-androgen medications to protect your uterus and manage symptoms, regardless of your fertility goals.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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