Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic disorder in which the female body produces excessive amounts of androgens – the so-called male hormones.
It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age and, according to statistics, affects approximately 6-12% of women worldwide.¹
What happens in the body with PCOS:
Women with PCOS experience a combination of hormonal changes that disrupt normal menstrual cycles and ovulation²:
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The ovaries do not produce enough hormones needed for regular ovulation.
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Small cysts (follicles) form on the ovaries, which remain immature.
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Increased androgen levels cause acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and hair loss.
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Insulin resistance occurs, which can cause weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms vary widely; not every woman necessarily experiences every one of them, and some symptoms may indicate a problem other than PCOS.
The most common manifestations include:
- Irregular cycle, missed periods, or very light bleeding
- Hair growth on the face, chest, arms or abdomen – in places where we know it mainly in men
- Acne or oily skin
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving due to irregular cycles and anovulation
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
- Increased weight, especially in the abdominal area
- Excessive hair loss
- Small skin growths on the neck or armpits
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
Diagnosis of PCOS includes:
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Hormonal tests – testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone).
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Ultrasound examination of the ovaries – identification of polycystic ovaries.
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Insulin resistance tests – glucose tolerance test or fasting insulin.
Clinical studies and expert resources:
¹ Bozdag, G., Mumusoglu, S., Zengin, D., et al. (2016)
The prevalence and phenotypic features of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27510544/
² Azziz, R., Carmina, E., Chen, Z., et al. (2016)
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27868053/
³ Teede, HJ, Misso, ML, Costello, MF, et al. (2018)
International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30024653/
⁴ Moran, LJ, Hutchison, SK, Norman, RJ, & Teede, HJ (2011)
Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21311462/
