Hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age
PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts.
It leads to irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may ask about menstrual pattern, pain, discharge, bleeding, pregnancy possibility, contraception, medicines and sexual health. Pelvic examination, pregnancy testing, ultrasound or infection testing may be considered.
Care may include review for pregnancy, infection, hormonal or structural causes, medicine treatment, procedures or specialist follow-up. Ask what findings are expected and which need urgent review.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, fainting, fever with severe pelvic pain, or signs of a serious infection.
Symptoms
- Irregular periods
- Excess hair growth
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Possible causes
- Insulin resistance
- Low-grade inflammation
- Heredity
- Excess androgen
Care and treatment options
- Lifestyle modifications
- Birth control pills
- Metformin
- Fertility medications
- Surgery
Key points
- Affects 6-12% of women
- Leading cause of infertility
- Cannot be cured but managed
- Linked to diabetes risk
Preparing for a consultation
- Last menstrual period, cycle pattern and pregnancy possibility.
- Pain, bleeding, discharge, fever or urinary symptoms.
- Contraception, medicines and previous gynecological history.
- Recent test, ultrasound or treatment records.
Questions worth asking
- Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
A clinician may ask about menstrual pattern, pain, discharge, bleeding, pregnancy possibility, contraception, medicines and sexual health. Pelvic examination, pregnancy testing, ultrasound or infection testing may be considered.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Lifestyle modifications, Birth control pills, Metformin, Fertility medications. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Polycystic Ovary Syndrome be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, fainting, fever with severe pelvic pain, or signs of a serious infection.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Last menstrual period, cycle pattern and pregnancy possibility. Pain, bleeding, discharge, fever or urinary symptoms. Contraception, medicines and previous gynecological history. Recent test, ultrasound or treatment records. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.