Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(Stein-Leventhal Syndrome · Chronic Hyperandrogenic Anovulation (CHA) · PCOS)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease in the usual sense; rather, it is a collection of symptoms that can affect a person's reproductive health and heart health, and it can have other significant effects on health and lifestyle. It affects about 6% to 15% of people assigned female at birth in their reproductive years. Its risk factors are not well known, but heredity does play a role.
Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The causes of PCOS are unknown. Researchers believe that insulin resistance and an imbalance of male hormones (e.g., testosterone) and female hormones (e.g., estrogens and progestins, those important for the menstrual cycle) contribute to the development of this condition. Research suggests a family history of PCOS, may be a risk factor for its development.
Symptoms and Complications of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
There are many possible symptoms, and you can have PCOS without having all of them. Some of the common symptoms include:
- acne
- difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility)
- irregular menstrual periods
- obesity
- skin discolourations
- unwanted hair growth or loss
Symptoms most commonly associated with PCOS are unwanted hair growth and irregular menstrual periods. Affected people may have fewer menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea) or miss their periods for 6 months or more (amenorrhea). When they do have their period, they may have prolonged or heavy bleeding.
Many people do not know they have PCOS until they try to become pregnant. Infertility is an issue for about 75% of those with PCOS. If these people do become pregnant, they are at an increased risk of complications and of miscarriage. About half of those with PCOS have acanthosis nigricans (a grey-brown skin discoloration), signifying that the body has too much insulin.
At least 50% of people with PCOS have an unhealthy body weight, and in many cases the extra body weight is centered around the abdomen. Central obesity increases the risk of developing many conditions, including:
- cholesterol problems
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- type 2 diabetes
- depression and anxiety
- sexual dysfunction
- sleep apnea
Regardless of their body weight, people with PCOS have an increased risk for developing these conditions.
Acne is another symptom seen by some people with PCOS. About 75% of people with PCOS over the age of 20 suffer from acne. Loss of hair from the scalp is also possible. A person with PCOS may also experience male-pattern hair growth due to hormone imbalance.
Complications of PCOS can include endometrial cancer: if a person has irregular menstrual periods for an extended time, the lining of the uterus can build up and develop cancerous cells. This may take many years to develop. People assigned female at birth who do not have regular periods (or any periods at all) should consult their doctor.
