What is it?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. The three main features of PCOS are:
- Ovaries don’t regularly release eggs (ovulation).
- High levels of “male hormones” in your body.
- Your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) which surround the eggs.
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent during your late teens or early twenties. They include:
- Menstrual irregularity-irregular periods or no periods at all.
- Difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate (infertility).
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks.
- Weight gain.
- Thinning hair and hair loss from the head.
- Oily skin or acne.
What to expect?
If you have been diagnosed by a health professional with PCOS it is good to keep the following things in mind:
- Many woman with PCOS have difficulties falling pregnant. Consult your GP if you have been diagnosed with PCOS and want to get pregnant.
- Consider losing excess weight. Weight loss of excess may lead to a significant improvement in PCOS.