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A List of PCOS Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, currently affects up to 5 million women in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects women of all ages--including girls as young as 8 or 9 years old--and some of the symptoms can persist into menopause. It affects many areas of the body, and is believed to be caused by a resistance to the hormone insulin. The symptoms vary widely among individuals.

  1. Infrequent or Absent Menstruation

    • Women with PCOS have infrequent, irregular or absent menstruation and often have fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. However, it is not necessary to have "polycystic ovaries" to have PCOS. These cysts, when present, are actually unruptured eggs--the result of incomplete ovulation. The Department of Health and Human Services states that the hormone progesterone is not produced when ovulation does not happen. A woman's menstrual cycle can be irregular or absent if she produces too little or no progesterone.

    Infertility

    • Ovulation occurs when a follicle that has built up on the ovary breaks open and releases an egg. Women with PCOS often do not make all of the hormones needed for eggs to mature and release. These follicles can remain as cysts. The Department of Health and Human Services states that women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and their ovaries produce more androgens than normal. "Androgens are male hormones that females also make," according to their website. Many women with PCOS are able to get pregnant with fertility drugs or medications that help reduce insulin resistance. Pregnant woman with PCOS have a higher risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and premature delivery.

    Obesity

    • Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. It is important for woman with PCOS to eat healthy and exercise, which helps to lower blood glucose levels and improve the body's use of insulin. A 10 percent loss in body weight can restore a normal menstrual period and increase fertility.

    Hirsutism

    • Hirsutism is excessive or abnormal hair growth and distribution in women. Individuals with PCOS can have dark, thick hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs and toes. Medications that control the production of androgens in woman can help reduce this hair growth.

    Skin Problems

    • Many woman with PCOS have oily skin, acne or dandruff. Like excessive hair growth, these skin problems can be reduced with medication. Additionally, skin tags--small protruding bits of skin on the trunk of the body--are a frequent symptom of PCOS.

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