What Happens

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) interferes with normal ovulation and results in an increase in male hormone levels, which causes many of the symptoms of PCOS. Irregular ovulation causes irregular menstrual cycles. Abnormal insulin production and metabolic problems also contribute to the development of PCOS.

The increase of male hormones (androgens) in PCOS leads to acne and abnormal hair growth (hirsutism). Many women with PCOS have multiple cysts on their ovaries (polycystic ovaries). A polycystic ovary may be up to three times larger than normal.

PCOS may increase your risk for developing other conditions or diseases over time, such as:

• Reproductive problems. These may include:
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding.
  • Miscarriage.
  • Preeclampsia.
  • Infertility.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Endometrial cancer.
• Metabolic problems. These may include:
  • Insulin resistance.
  • Gestational diabetes.
  • Metabolic syndrome.
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Obesity.
• Cardiovascular problems. PCOS may increase your risk for some cardiovascular problems, such as:
  • Coronary artery disease or heart attack (MI).
  • High blood pressure (hypertension).
  • High cholesterol.
  • Atherosclerosis.

Early symptoms

Early symptoms of PCOS include:

• Fewer than eight menstrual cycles in a year, more than 35 days between cycles, or no menstrual periods. Failure to ovulate each month occurs in almost 50% of women with PCOS.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding. This symptom occurs in about 30% of women with PCOS.
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, back, stomach, thumbs, or toes. More than 70% of women with PCOS complain of excess hair growth.
• Skin problems, such as acne, oily skin, dandruff, dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) on the neck, groin, underarms, or in skin folds, or skin tags (acrochordons) in the armpits or neck area.
• Depression or mood swings. Many women have emotional problems related to the many physical symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hair, obesity, or infertility.