Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. PCOS causes cysts (fluid-filled sacs) to grow on the ovaries.

Symptoms include:
-Irregular menstrual periods
-Infertility
-Pelvic pain
-Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or thighs
-Weight gain
-Acne or oily skin
-Patches of thickened skin
-Women with PCOS are at higher risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

PCOS is more common in women who have obesity or have a mother or sister with PCOS. To diagnose PCOS, your health care provider may do a physical exam, pelvic exam, blood tests, and an ultrasound.

Content Source: NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development