home/ women's health center/ women's health a-z list/symptom checker/polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms and signs symptoms

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms & Signs

  • Medical Author:
    Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

    Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem in women typically characterized by a specific set of symptoms along with numerous small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS occurs in 5%-10% of women. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women.

Signs and symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are related to high levels of male hormones (androgens). Symptoms and signs include acne, abnormal menstruation including heavy or irregular menstrual periods, oily skin, dandruff, skin discolorations, the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), excess hair growth on the body, male-pattern hair loss, overweight, and obesity. Other associated symptoms and signs can include elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance.

Causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

The cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is unclear.

Other Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms and Signs

  • Absence of Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
  • Acne
  • Dandruff
  • Elevated Insulin Levels
  • Excess Hair Growth on the Body
  • Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Periods
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Male-Pattern Hair Loss
  • Obesity
  • Oily Skin
  • Overweight
  • Skin Discolorations

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

Main Article on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms and Signs

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Examples of Medications for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms & Signs A-Z List

From WebMD Logo

Women's Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Women's Health Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019
References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.