Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

  1. Home /
    2. Health Conditions / Uterine Fibroids /
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Margalo Eden

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of the female reproductive system caused by a hormone imbalance. There is no cure for PCOS, but your doctor can help you find ways to manage your symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health provides some basic information you should know about PCOS causes, symptoms, and treatments.*

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a common health condition in which hormone imbalances interfere with your ovaries’ ability to release an egg. Up to 10% of women are affected by PCOS during their reproductive years, and many are diagnosed during their 20s or 30s.

People with PCOS can experience a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Irregular periods
  • Facial hair, also known as hirsutism
  • Acne on the face or body
  • Hair loss
  • Weight gain
  • Darkened skin around the neck, groin, or under the breasts
  • Skin tags

Periods may become more regular as you approach menopause, but many people continue to experience symptoms after periods fully stop.

What causes PCOS?

Scientists aren’t sure what exactly causes PCOS, but genetics and other factors may play a role. 

People with PCOS typically have high levels of male sex hormones, collectively called androgens. If your androgen levels are higher than normal, it can interfere with your ovaries’ ability to release an egg. Because of this, some PCOS patients find it difficult to conceive or plan a pregnancy.

Many people with PCOS also have difficulties responding to insulin, the hormone that helps us get energy from food. This is also known as insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes over time. 

There’s no single diagnostic test for PCOS. If you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may rule out other conditions with:

  • A physical pelvic exam, 
  • An ultrasound of your pelvis, and/or 
  • Blood tests to check your hormone and insulin levels. 

If there are no concerns, your doctor may diagnose you with PCOS if you have two or more of the symptoms mentioned earlier.

Treatment options

PCOS has been linked with several health complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and some cancers, though scientists don’t know if there is a causal relationship. While there is no cure for PCOS, your doctor may suggest the following to help you manage your symptoms:

  • Medication. Depending on your needs, your doctor may suggest hormonal birth control, anti-androgen medicine, or Metformin, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
  • Weight loss. Weight loss may not be appropriate for everyone with PCOS, but keeping your body weight within a healthy range for you may help relieve your symptoms.
  • Hair removal. If you have unwanted facial or body hair, hair removal creams, and laser hair removal are available. You could also speak with your doctor about a prescription medication called eflornithine HCL cream.

PCOS is a common cause of infertility. If you want to get pregnant, speak to your doctor about medications that could help you ovulate, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or possibly surgery to improve your chances. 

PCOS can also lead to complications during pregnancy. To reduce your risk, experts suggest maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and taking enough folic acid.

*Polycystic ovary syndrome. Office on Women’s Health. (Updated 2021, February 22). https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome