Overview
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small follicles (not true cysts) and fail to release eggs regularly. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and long-term health risks.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
- Exact cause unclear — complex hormonal and genetic factors
- Excess androgen (male hormones) production
- Insulin resistance — body requires more insulin
- Low-grade inflammation
- Genetic factors — runs in families
- Obesity worsens insulin resistance and androgen levels
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include:
- Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
- Heavy periods
- Excess androgen: excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning
- Acne
- Obesity and difficulty losing weight
- Skin darkening in body creases (acanthosis nigricans)
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Multiple follicles visible on ovary ultrasound
Diagnosis
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may include:
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss, healthy diet, regular exercise
- Combined oral contraceptive pill to regulate periods and reduce androgen symptoms
- Metformin for insulin resistance
- Anti-androgen medications (spironolactone) for hair and acne
- Clomifene or letrozole to stimulate ovulation for fertility
- IVF if other fertility treatments fail
- Inositol supplements — some evidence for insulin sensitivity
- Treating individual symptoms (acne, unwanted hair)
Prevention
No known prevention, but maintaining healthy weight and lifestyle can reduce severity of symptoms and associated health risks.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to complications including:
Infertility, gestational diabetes, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer risk, depression and anxiety.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: E28.2. Last reviewed June 2026.