Key Takeaways
- PCOS can be the reason for an unfulfilled desire to have children.
- Symptoms of the syndrome include an irregular menstrual cycle, polycystic ovaries, and hair loss or increased body hair.
- This article explains how PCOS can be treated.
The most important thing to know upfront: PCO is not the same as PCOS . The reverse, however, is true. But let's start from the beginning: PCO stands for "Polycystic Ovaries" – while PCOS stands for "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome".
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are small follicles in the ovaries that temporarily prevent egg maturation. These cysts are one of many symptoms of PCOS. However, just because a woman has this one symptom of PCOS doesn't mean she has the syndrome itself. Only when other symptoms are present is she considered to have PCOS. Approximately one in ten women suffers from PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS
A doctor can diagnose PCOS if two out of three of the following symptoms are present:
- Irregular or no menstrual bleeding
- Polycystic ovaries (PCO)
- Increased body hair and/or hair loss
Other symptoms...
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Medically Reviewed
This text was created by medical editors on the basis of specialist medical literature and current studies. Our aim is to work scientifically, identify sources and regularly check that the content is up to date.
References & Literature
- Khan, Muhammad Jaseem, Anwar Ullah, and Sulman Basit. "Genetic basis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): current perspectives." The application of clinical genetics 12 (2019): 249.
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Hoeger, Kathleen M., Anuja Dokras, and Terhi Piltonen. "Update on PCOS: consequences, challenges, and guiding treatment." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 106.3 (2021): e1071-e1083.
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Ajmal, Nida, Sanam Zeib Khan, and Rozeena Shaikh. "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and genetic predisposition: A review article." European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology: X 3 (2019): 100060.
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Read more in the Ovy Premium App
Access to all articles and all Ovy App functions
Medically Reviewed
This text was created by medical editors on the basis of specialist medical literature and current studies. Our aim is to work scientifically, identify sources and regularly check that the content is up to date.
References & Literature
- Khan, Muhammad Jaseem, Anwar Ullah, and Sulman Basit. "Genetic basis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): current perspectives." The application of clinical genetics 12 (2019): 249.
- Hoeger, Kathleen M., Anuja Dokras, and Terhi Piltonen. "Update on PCOS: consequences, challenges, and guiding treatment." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 106.3 (2021): e1071-e1083.
- Ajmal, Nida, Sanam Zeib Khan, and Rozeena Shaikh. "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and genetic predisposition: A review article." European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology: X 3 (2019): 100060.
