Things To Know About PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age.Women may suffer from cysts in or on the ovaries; however, it is possible to be diagnosed with PCOS without them.

Common symptoms associated with PCOS include infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity. Doctors who diagnose women with PCOS look for irregular periods, excess androgen and polycystic ovaries. If a woman suffers from at least two symptoms, the doctor may proceed with diagnosing her with PCOS.

Irregular periods.

This is the most common characteristic. Examples include:

• Menstrual intervals longer than 35 days;
• Fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year;
• Failure to menstruate for four months or longer
• Prolonged periods that  may be scant or heavy.

Excess androgen

Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs such as:

• Excess facial and
• Body hair (hirsutism)
• Adult acne or severe adolescent acne and
• Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).

Polycystic ovaries

Ovaries become enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs which surround the eggs.

Also read: Can A Woman With PCOS Get Pregnant? 

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