What is PCOS?
- Alexa Nikolai
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which your ovaries create excess levels of androgen hormones, thus affecting ovulation patterns. PCOS can start any time after puberty but is usually diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s. PCOS can lead to a number of symptoms, including infertility, and is the leading cause of female infertility. Although the condition is quite common, occurring in up to 15% of females of reproductive age, it is treatable, so consider consulting your doctor if you notice symptoms of PCOS.
What causes PCOS?
Although there is no known cause of PCOS, the condition is more prevalent in individuals who have a history of PCOS or who have obesity.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Most of the symptoms of PCOS are associated with having high levels of androgen hormones and an associated resistance to insulin. For example, people with PCOS may grow more hair on their arms, chest, or abdomen; struggle with difficult-to-treat acne beyond their teenage years; find skin tags in their armpits or on their neck; experience thinning head hair; or develop dark patches of skin on their neck, armpits, groin, or breasts. People with PCOS may also have a harder time managing their weight and may have a chronic low level of inflammation.
Due to an imbalance in reproductive hormones, PCOS typically causes irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation. Having fewer and inconsistent cycles can then lead to fertility issues.
PCOS can also lead to increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
As always, PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, and some people may experience very few, if any, symptoms.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS can usually be diagnosed by a doctor after a physical examination and discussion of symptoms. However, a blood test or an ultrasound may offer further clarity. In particular, an ultrasound can reveal small follicle cysts (fluid-filled sacs containing immature egg cells) on the ovaries, which result because of the lack of ovulation.
A diagnosis of PCOS is usually given when an individual shows two of the following three criteria: irregular periods, unusually high androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
How is PCOS treated?
PCOS can be treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Birth control and medications that block androgens can help regulate hormone levels. Insulin-sensitizing medicine helps the body process insulin and combats the insulin resistance associated with PCOS. For people who are trying to get pregnant, certain medications can induce ovulation. Finally, eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy body weight always have a positive effect on insulin levels and can thus ameliorate symptoms.
How does PCOS affect fertility?
It is usually possible for people with PCOS to get pregnant; however, it may be harder than average. Ovulation is required for pregnancy to occur, so if your PCOS is fully stopping ovulation, medical intervention is needed. However, even if ovulation is not fully blocked, it may be less consistent, making it harder to predict and plan around. If you have PCOS and hope to become pregnant, consult with your doctor to devise a plan.
Summary
Although PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility, treatment options do exist. Whether or not you hope to become pregnant, if you suspect you have PCOS, talk to your doctor so that you can figure out how to best manage your symptoms.
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