Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition experienced by an estimated 5 million women across the United States. However, many women are still unfamiliar with the condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and management. It is not uncommon for many women to find out they have polycystic ovarian syndrome in their 20s or 30s when they have problems trying to conceive.
What is PCOS?
An imbalance of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone causes polycystic ovarian syndrome. Both estrogen and progesterone help to control things like our menstrual cycle, ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy. Because these hormones play an essential role in our reproductive health, the body tightly controls the amount of each hormone that circulates within the body. But in PCOS, the normal regulation of these hormones becomes disrupted, and the resulting hormonal imbalance between our hormones can lead to symptoms such as:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles – Women with PCOS often experience infrequent or absent periods
- Hirsutism – Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and back
- Acne and oily skin – Hormonal imbalances may lead to persistent acne and overly oily skin
- Hair Thinning or Balding – Some women with PCOS experience hair thinning, similar to male-pattern baldness
- Weight gain – PCOS can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight
- Darkening of Skin – Particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
- Skin Tags – Small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
