Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Also called: PCOS, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome Summary Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. One result is that cysts (fluid-filled sacs) develop on the ovaries. Women who are obese are more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome. Symptoms of PCOS include: Infertility Pelvic pain Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes Baldness or thinning hair Acne, oily skin, or dandruff Patches of thickened dark brown or black skin Women with PCOS are at higher risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Medicines can help control the symptoms. Birth control pills help women have normal periods, reduce male hormone levels, and clear acne. Other medicines can reduce hair growth and control blood pressure and cholesterol. There is no cure. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Related Issues Are There Disorders or Conditions Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affect Pregnancy? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome American Society for Reproductive Medicine Insulin-Sensitizing Agents and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome American Society for Reproductive Medicine Treatments for Infertility Resulting from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome National Institutes of Health Statistics and Research Drug Improves Birth Rates for Women with Ovary Disorder National Institutes of Health Gene Linked to Excess Male Hormones in Female Infertility Disorder National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NICHD Research Networks Help Piece Together the Puzzle of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Taking Combined Oral Contraceptives Have Greater Risk of Blood Clots Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Diagnosis and Tests How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Find an Expert National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Child Health and Human Development womenshealth.gov Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Reference Desk Normal Female Reproductive Anatomy National Cancer Institute Teenagers Oral Contraceptive Pill and PCOS Children’s Hospital Boston PCOS: What Teens Need to Know Hormone Health Network Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Nemours Foundation Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Teens: A Guide for Parents and Guardians Children’s Hospital Boston Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Guide for Teens Children’s Hospital Boston Array Polycystic ovary disease Start Here Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Journal Articles Polycystic ovary syndrome Treatments and Therapies Treatments to Relieve Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Symptoms What Are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
