Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a group of symptoms related to ovulatory cycles and affects one in ten women.
It is one of the more common dysfunctions where the female struggles to ovulate due to an increase in Luteinising hormone (LH) which then causes excess androgens like testosterone.
What is thought to be cysts, are actually underdeveloped follicles from the lack of the ovulation process occurring. This is known as an ‘ovulatory cycle’.
A woman who has PCOS can appear to have more underdeveloped follicles on her ovaries due to these ovulatory cycles. This can be shown on an ultrasound, although it is possible to have PCOS and have normal appearing ovaries.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
• Irregular periods and ovulatory cycles
• Excessive facial and body hair
• Hair loss
• Acne on the face and back
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Increased inflammation
