PCOS – What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, women with PCOS have these characteristics:

• high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
• an irregular or no menstrual cycle
• may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.

PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.

Also See:

• Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
• Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
• How would Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect your spouse while pregnant?
• How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
• What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
• What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
• Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
• What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how many women have it?