PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, women with PCOS have these characteristics:
- high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
- an irregular or no menstrual cycle
- may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
Also See:
- Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
- Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
- How would Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect your spouse while pregnant?
- How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
- What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
- What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
- Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
- What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how many women have it?