PCOS: Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome

The name “polycystic ovaries” is somewhat of a misnomer and a nonspecific term. Women with PCOS have enlarged ovaries with tiny asymptomatic cysts seen on ultrasound. It also happens that 25 percent of normal women have ovaries that appear polycystic in ultrasound appearance, so the diagnosis cannot be made by ultrasound appearance alone.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder of reproductive-age women; it affects approximately 5 percent of the population or one in twenty women. Despite this, PCOS remains largely unknown, even by the women who have the syndrome. PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual periods; unwanted hair growth; being overweight (in more than half of the cases)’ difficulty in becoming pregnant; oily skin and/or acne.

PCOS is treatable through diet, exercise and medication, most often a combination of the three.