Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a long-term (chronic) condition. Symptoms tend to start gradually. It is common for PCOS symptoms to be mistaken for some other medical problem.

PCOS causes a wide range of symptoms, so it may be hard to know when to see your doctor. But early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS will help prevent serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. See your doctor if you have symptoms that suggest PCOS.

If you are a teenage girl, see your doctor if you have:

  • Not started menstruating by age 14 and have hair growing on your chest, back, belly, or face (hirsutism).
  • Not started menstruating by age 15 or within 2 years of breast and genital hair development.
  • Fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year, and this has lasted for 2 years after you started menstruation.
  • Severe acne.
  • Hair loss from your scalp.
  • Excessive hair growth or hair growing in places such as the chest, back, belly, or face.
  • Menstrual cycles that are consistently less than 21 days apart or more than 45 days apart.
  • Any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
  • Skin problems such as acne, oily skin, dandruff, skin tags (acrochordons) in the armpits or neck area, or dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) in skin folds or on the neck, groin, or underarms.
  • Depression or mood swings. Many women may have emotional problems related to the physical symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hair, obesity, or infertility.
  • Excess weight gain or upper body obesity (more abdominal fat than hip fat). This is linked to high androgen levels.
  • Decided to quit smoking, if you have been smoking. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

If you are between 20 and 40 years old, see your doctor if you have:

  • Menstrual cycles that are consistently less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart.
  • Regular menstrual cycles but you have been trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant for more than 12 months.
  • Vaginal bleeding that lasts more than 8 days; large clots; or excessive spotting.
  • Pelvic pain that lasts for more than 4 weeks.
  • Excessive hair growth or hair growing on the chest, back, belly, or face (hirsutism).
  • Any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
  • Skin problems such as acne, oily skin, dandruff, skin tags (acrochordons) in the armpits or neck area, or dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) in skin folds or on the neck, groin, or underarms.
  • Depression or mood swings. Many women may have emotional problems related to the many physical symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hair, obesity, or infertility.
  • Excess weight gain or upper body obesity (more abdominal fat than hip fat). This is also known as android obesity and is related to increased male hormone (testosterone) levels.
  • Decided to quit smoking, if you have been smoking. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

If you are older than 40, call your doctor if you have:

  • Vaginal bleeding that lasts more than 8 days; large clots; or excessive spotting.
  • Pelvic pain that lasts for more than 4 weeks.
  • Any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
  • Any symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Depression or mood swings. Many women may have emotional problems related to the physical symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hair, obesity, or infertility.
  • Decided to quit smoking, if you have been smoking. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Watchful Waiting

Taking a wait-and-see approach (called watchful waiting) is not appropriate when PCOS is suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent future complications such as reproductive, metabolic, or heart problems.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat PCOS include:

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 11, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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