What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes harmless cysts in the ovaries and also causes other symptoms. PCOS is caused by certain hormones being out of balance. The word “syndrome” means a group of symptoms. Women with PCOS have no periods, irregular periods, or very long periods.
Your Ovaries
A woman’s ovaries are where her eggs are stored. Each egg is in a capsule called a follicle. Each month, one follicle grows to produce a mature egg. This egg is released (ovulation) and the follicle dissolves.
Hormones out of Balance
With polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the chemicals (hormones) that control ovulation are out of balance. These include estrogen, androgen, and lutenizing hor-mone. As a result, ovulation may not occur. Instead, the follicle stays enlarged. This is a cyst (fluid-filled sac). Over time, the ovaries fill with many cysts. This is why they are called “poly” (many) “cystic” ovaries. In some women, the ovaries also make too many male hormones.
PCOS Symptoms
Women with PCOS may also have one or more of these symptoms:
If it is not treated, PCOS may also increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer and cancer of the uterine lining.
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Publication Source:
Buccola JM, Reynolds EE, Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, Polycystic ovary syndrome: a review for primary providers, Dec 1 2003, pp 697-710
Publication Source:
Buggs C, Rosenfield RL, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence, 38596, pp 677-705
Online Medical Reviewer:
McDonald, Thad, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
10/21/2004
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002