PCOS - meaning and definition
Alsopolycystic ovary syndromepolycystic ovarian syndromePCODpolycystic ovaries
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular or absent periods, higher levels of androgens, and many small follicles on the ovaries.
At a glance
- PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting periods, androgen levels and the ovaries.
- Signs can include irregular cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, excess hair growth, acne and scalp hair thinning.
- It is linked with insulin resistance and a higher long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has cysts.
- There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed and fertility treatment is available.
In detail
Signs of PCOS vary but can include irregular cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, excess facial or body hair, acne and thinning scalp hair. It is linked with insulin resistance, and people with PCOS have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease over time. Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has cysts.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with lifestyle support, hormonal contraception to regulate cycles, medicines that improve insulin sensitivity, and fertility treatment when pregnancy is wanted. Care works best when it also addresses the emotional impact the condition can have.
In a sentence
- She was diagnosed with PCOS after seeing her doctor about irregular periods.
- The PCOS support forum shares tips on managing symptoms and looking after emotional health.
Where the word comes from
The condition was first described by the American gynaecologists Irving Stein and Michael Leventhal in 1935, and was long called Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
Not to be confused with
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves tissue growing outside the uterus and mainly causes pain.
Common questions
Does PCOS mean you have cysts on your ovaries?
Not necessarily. The name refers to many small follicles that can show on the ovaries, but not everyone with PCOS has them. Diagnosis looks at a combination of signs, such as irregular periods and higher androgen levels.
Can people with PCOS get pregnant?
Many can. PCOS can make it harder to conceive because ovulation may be irregular, but fertility treatment is available when pregnancy is wanted. A doctor can discuss options and the wider health care PCOS may need.