Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The signs

To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must have at least two of the following three symptoms.

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycle – Most women ovulate on a monthly basis. After ovulation – if the woman does not get pregnant – her body sheds the endometrial lining of the uterus through menstruation. Women who have PCOS usually have irregular ovulation – once every two months, three months or even once a year – and, as a result, irregular menstruation.
2. Elevated Levels of the Male Hormone Androgen – For unknown reasons, women with PCOS often have elevated levels of the male hormone androgen. This can be confirmed through laboratory blood tests, but more visible signs include excess body hair, facial hair, acne and even male pattern baldness.
3. Polycystic Ovaries – Women with PCOS will often – but not always – have multiple, small cysts on their ovaries. This can be seen under ultrasound examination.

In addition to the recognized signs of PCOS, women with the disorder are often overweight. Also, a significant percentage of PCOS patients have abnormal cholesterol levels.

• Understanding PCOS
• The signs
• Treating PCOS

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