Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries work and how the body processes sugar.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects the ovaries, which are the small organs in the body that produce eggs and female hormones. In someone with PCOS, the ovaries make slightly higher levels of androgens, which are hormones often called 'male hormones' that all women have in small amounts.
Because of this hormonal mix, the ovaries may struggle to release an egg each month as they normally should. Instead, the ovaries might develop many tiny, fluid-filled sacs called follicles, which is why it is named polycystic, meaning 'many cysts'. This imbalance can lead to irregular periods and other changes in the body.
Common Symptoms
- Irregular periods or missing periods for many months.
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chin, or body (hirsutism).
- Acne that is difficult to clear up.
- Thinning hair on the scalp.
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
- Darkening of the skin, often in creases like the neck or underarms.