What is it?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of female sex hormones that causes menstrual problems and inhibits the ability to get pregnant. This hormone imbalance makes it more difficult for women to release fully mature eggs. The mature eggs may stay with the ovary, where they are surrounded by fluid and become benign cysts, either within or clinging to the edges of the ovary.
And because there is no ovulation, there is no production of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone helps to maintain a regular menstrual period – without it, periods are irregular or absent.
There are some 3 million cases in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that there are about 2 million more sufferers who are unaware they have this malady. One in 10 to one in 20 women of childbearing age will be affected by PCOS, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women’s Health. The cause of PCOS is not known, but there are known risk factors.
PCOS Risk Factors
The ovaries in women with PCOS make more of the male hormone androgen -- normally made in very small amounts in the ovaries. This affects the development and release of eggs during ovulation. This can also result in dark, excessive hair growth on the arms, face, back and toes. The woman’s voice may deepen, and she may have acne.