Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Cause, Treatments

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that can cause women to have irregular periods, get acne (oily skin and pimples), grow extra facial hair, or lose hair from their head. The condition can also make it hard to get pregnant. People sometimes refer to polycystic ovary syndrome as “PCOS.” It is very common — about 5 percent of all women have PCOS.

What causes PCOS?

In women with PCOS, the ovaries don’t work very well (figure 1). About once a month, the ovaries are supposed to make a structure called a follicle. As the follicle grows, it makes hormones. Then, it releases an egg. This is called “ovulation.”

But in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the ovary makes many small follicles instead of one big one. Hormone levels can get out of balance. And ovulation doesn’t happen every month the way it is supposed to. Doctors aren’t sure why this happens to some women.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Women with the condition might:

Have fewer than 8 periods a year
Gain weight and become obese
Grow thick, dark hair in places where only men tend to grow hair, such as on the upper lip, chin, sideburn area, chest, and belly
Lose hair from their heads like men do
Have acne (oily skin and pimples on their face)
Have trouble getting pregnant

Should I see a doctor or nurse, even if my symptoms are mild?

Yes. Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are more likely to end up with other health problems, too. These include:

Diabetes (high blood sugar)
High cholesterol levels
Heart disease
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes people to briefly stop breathing while they sleep

Are there tests I should have?

Your doctor or nurse will decide which tests you should have based on your age, symptoms, and individual situation. Possible tests include:

Blood tests to measure levels of hormones, blood sugar, and cholesterol
A pregnancy test if you have missed any periods
Pelvic ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to make a picture of your uterus and ovaries. Doctors use this test to check how many follicles are in your ovaries.

How is PCOS treated?

The most common treatment is to take birth control pills. The pills don’t cure the disease. But they can improve many of its symptoms. Birth control pills also protect women from cancer of the uterus.

Other treatments for symptoms of PCOS are:

Anti-androgens – These medicines block hormones that cause some PCOS symptoms. Spironolactone (sold as Aldactone®) is the antiandrogen that many doctors use.
Progestin – This hormone can make you have regular periods, but only if you take it every month. It also lowers the risk of cancer. Most doctors use medroxyprogesterone (sold as Provera®) or natural progesterone (sold as Prometrium®).
Metformin (sold as Glucophage®) – This medicine can help make a woman’s periods more regular. But it works only in about one-half of women who try it. In women with diabetes, this medicine helps keep blood sugar levels normal.
Medicated skin lotion or antibiotics to treat acne
Laser therapy or electrolysis to remove extra hair

Is there anything I can do on my own to treat the condition?

Yes. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can improve many of your symptoms. Losing just 5 percent of your body weight can help a lot. That adds up to 10 pounds of weight loss for a 200-pound woman.

What if I want to get pregnant?

Don’t lose hope. Most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant, but it can take a while. If you are overweight, losing weight can help make your periods regular and improve your chances of getting pregnant. If you lose weight but your periods are still irregular, your doctor can give you medicines that will help you ovulate and get pregnant.

What will my life be like?

Women with PCOS are able to live normal lives. But it is important to see a doctor. Treatments will help your symptoms and protect you from other diseases.