Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects about 10% of women.
- PCOS is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial and body hair, acne, heavier weight, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes.
- Early diagnosis and support from a team of health professionals can reduce symptoms.
- PCOS symptoms can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and certain medicines.
On this page
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that affects about 10% of women.
It's common for women with PCOS to have increased levels of certain hormones, including insulin and androgens (male-type hormones), which causes various symptoms.
PCOS may increase the risk of developing other health conditions.
Symptoms of PCOS
Women with PCOS may have a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe. Symptoms can also change at different life stages. Common symptoms include:
- irregular or no periods
- excessive hair (hirsutism) on the face or body
- hair loss (alopecia)
- skin conditions such as acne and skin tags
- stress, anxiety and depression
- weight problems
- reduced fertility
Not everyone with PCOS will have all these symptoms.
Causes of PCOS
We know that PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the exact cause is not fully understood. It may be associated with family history, genetics, lifestyle and environment.
The name 'polycystic ovary syndrome' suggests the problem is mainly with the ovaries and that you might have multiple cysts on your ovaries. But, it's actually a condition related to hormones.
Genetics and family history
It’s likely PCOS is linked to multiple genes.
It is estimated that up to a third of women with PCOS have a female relative with PCOS. This may be higher in some ethnic groups.
Hormones
It’s thought that increased levels of insulin cause the ovaries to work differently, which leads to high levels of androgens (male-type hormones). These hormones cause different PCOS symptoms.
About 85% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means the body blocks glucose from going into cells. This causes the body to make more insulin. Insulin resistance can be caused by genetic factors, or lifestyle factors such as being overweight.
If hormone levels are controlled, the ovaries can function normally and symptoms may improve.
Weight
PCOS can affect women of all weight ranges. But a heavier weight can increase the hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can normalise hormone production and lead to improvements in PCOS symptoms.
Diagnosing PCOS
If you have symptoms of PCOS, see your doctor. Early diagnosis and support from a team of health practitioners can reduce symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
When you see your doctor, they will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order blood tests and an ultrasound to learn more.
Sometimes polycystic ovaries can be seen on an ultrasound, but you don’t need an ultrasound to confirm PCOS.
PCOS may be diagnosed if you have 2 or more of the following symptoms:
- irregular or absent periods
- acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair loss, or high levels of androgens in the blood
- polycystic ovaries (more than 20 small, underdeveloped eggs on the ovaries) visible on an ultrasound.
A blood test for anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level can be done instead of an ultrasound.
Treatment and management of PCOS
It’s important to work with your doctor and medical team to manage your symptoms and improve your long-term health outcomes.
Your PCOS medical team
Depending on your symptoms, you can seek help from a range of healthcare professionals, including:
- a GP (doctor)
- an endocrinologist (hormone specialist)
- a gynaecologist
- a dietitian
- a dermatologist
- an exercise physiologist
- a fertility specialist
- a psychologist.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to manage PCOS symptoms.
This means eating a balanced diet, doing regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing or stopping smoking and excessive drinking.
Medicine
Your doctor might also recommend certain medicines to manage PCOS. For example, hormonal contraception and Metformin.
Other medicines and treatments can be used to help with symptoms like skin and hair problems. For example, acne medicines and laser hair removal. Some women may need medicine or surgery to help with fertility.
Emotional health
PCOS can cause stress, anxiety and depression. But there are things you can do to take care of your emotional health. For example, a healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques and counselling.
Long-term health risks of PCOS
PCOS is associated with some long-term health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea.
You can reduce this risk with a healthy lifestyle, regular health checks (e.g. blood pressure and blood glucose checks) and medicine if required.
More information
For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women's Health.
Where to get help
- GP (doctor)
- Gynaecologist
- Endocrinologist
- Dietitian
- Exercise physiologist
- Local women's health clinic
- Community health centre
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
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- Orio F, Muscogiuri G, Giallurias F, Savastanono S, Bottiglieri P,Tafuri D et al. Oral contraceptives versus physical activity and metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2016 Nov;85(5):764-71.
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