The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 89, No. 9 0
Copyright © 2004 by The Endocrine Society
Patient Information Page from The Hormone Foundation |
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ricardo Azziz, MD,
Andrea Dunaif, MD and
David Ehrmann, MD
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What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
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The term polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) describes a group of symptoms and changes in hormone levels. The name comes from that fact that women with the condition often have many small painless cysts in the ovaries. These cysts are benign, but many of the symptoms can be emotionally distressing.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular or absent menses (periods)
- Infertility
- Weight problems or obesity (especially at the waist)
- Acne
- Excess hair on face and body
- Thinning hair on scalp
PCOS affects 7% of women of childbearing age. In the United States, an estimated 5 million women have PCOS, many of them without realizing it.
PCOS affects more than reproduction. It’s also a metabolic problem that affects several body systems.
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What causes PCOS?
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The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. In fact, there is probably more than one cause. In general, an imbalance of hormones underlies the condition. It has also been called "ovarian androgen excess" because the ovaries produce male hormones (androgens) in increased amounts.
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How is PCOS diagnosed?
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Along with irregular periods, the first signs of PCOS may be the growth of facial and body hair, hair thinning, acne, and weight gain. Weight gain, however, is not always present. Thin women can also have PCOS.
If you have symptoms of PCOS talk with a specialist. An endocrinologist, an expert in hormones, can help assess and treat your condition. Your doctor will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, check your hormone levels, and possibly perform an ovarian ultrasound and measure glucose (sugar) levels in the blood.
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What are the health implications?
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Some conditions related to PCOS are potentially dangerous. Many women with PCOS have decreased sensitivity to insulin (the hormone that regulates sugar in the blood). This condition is known as insulin resistance. In order to deal with the problem, the pancreas must make more insulin. This problem is a major risk factor for adult-onset diabetes.
Women with PCOS often have increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Overweight women with PCOS may also have low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and high levels of other fats, including triglycerides. These factors may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke later in life.
Because of irregular menstrual cycles and lack of ovulation, the lining of the uterus may not shed as often as it should. Left untreated, this may increase the risk of cancer of the uterus.
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What should I do with this information?
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While PCOS is not curable, there are several approaches to achieving hormonal balance. Symptoms of PCOS are treatable with medications, and changes in diet and exercise. You should discuss treatment options with your physician.
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Resources
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- To find an Endocrinologist: www.hormone.org
- American Infertility Association: www.americaninfertility.org
- International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination: www.inciid.org/faq/pcos.html
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association: www.pcosupport.org or call 877-775-7267
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Footnotes
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For more information on how to find an endocrinologist, download free publications, translate this fact sheet into other languages, or make contribution to The Hormone Foundation, visit www.hormone.org/bilingual or call 1-800-HORMONE. The Hormone Foundation, the public education affiliate of The Endocrine Society (www.endo-society.org), serves as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment, and cure of hormone-related conditions. This page may be reproduced non-commercially by health care professionals and health educators to share with patients and students. Translation by MEDI-FLAG Corp.
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What is polycystic ovary...
What causes PCOS?
