Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's ovaries. The exact causes of PCOS are unknown, but it is known to affect between 5% and 10% of women in the United States. It is the leading cause of infertility in women.PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• No menstrual period
• Excessive body hair
• Acnes
• Skin tags
• Pelvic pain
• Sleep apnea
• Enlarged ovaries with many cysts
• Infertility
• Obesity

Patients experiencing symptoms of PCOS should see their doctor immediately. The doctor may perform a blood test or ultrasound to diagnose.

Treatment of PCOSThere is no cure for PCOS, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms to prevent long-term complications. Since symptoms can vary, the approach may involve a combination of treatments, such as:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Reducing excessive hair growth with medication
• Using diabetic medications
• Stimulating ovulation with fertility medications
• Managing weight gain
• Surgical interventionIf left untreated, PCOS can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and more.