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Polycystic ovary syndromePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility. What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to:
Who gets PCOS?Between 5% and 10% of women between 15 and 44, or during the years you can have children, have PCOS.1 Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But PCOS can happen at any age after puberty.2 Women of all races and ethnicities are at risk of PCOS. Your risk of PCOS may be higher if you have obesity or if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS. What are the symptoms of PCOS?Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:
What causes PCOS?The exact cause of PCOS is not known. Most experts think that several factors, including genetics, play a role:
Can I still get pregnant if I have PCOS?Yes. Having PCOS does not mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don't ovulate, you can't get pregnant. Your doctor can talk with you about ways to help you ovulate and to raise your chance of getting pregnant. You can also use our Ovulation Calculator to see which days in your menstrual cycle you are most likely to be fertile. Is PCOS linked to other health problems?Yes, studies have found links between PCOS and other health problems, including:
Researchers do not know if PCOS causes some of these problems, if these problems cause PCOS, or if there are other conditions that cause PCOS and other health problems. Will my PCOS symptoms go away at menopause?Yes and no. PCOS affects many systems in the body. Many women with PCOS find that their menstrual cycles become more regular as they get closer to menopause. However, their PCOS hormonal imbalance does not change with age, so they may continue to have symptoms of PCOS. Also, the risks of PCOS-related health problems, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart attack, increase with age. These risks may be higher in women with PCOS than those without. How is PCOS diagnosed?There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. To help diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes of your symptoms, your doctor may talk to you about your medical history and do a physical exam and different tests:
Once other conditions are ruled out, you may be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms:5
How is PCOS treated?There is no cure for PCOS, but you can manage the symptoms of PCOS. You and your doctor will work on a treatment plan based on your symptoms, your plans for having children, and your risk of long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Many women will need a combination of treatments, including:
What steps can I take at home to improve my PCOS symptoms?You can take steps at home to help your PCOS symptoms, including:
What types of medicines treat PCOS?The types of medicines that treat PCOS and its symptoms include:
What are my treatment options for PCOS if I want to get pregnant?You have several options to help your chances of getting pregnant if you have PCOS:
Read more about treating infertility in PCOS. How does PCOS affect pregnancy?PCOS can cause problems during pregnancy for you and for your baby. Women with PCOS have higher rates of:6
Your baby also has a higher risk of being heavy (macrosomia) and of spending more time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). How can I prevent problems from PCOS during pregnancy?You can lower your risk of problems during pregnancy by:
What is the latest research on PCOS?Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PCOS. Some current studies focus on:
To learn more about current PCOS treatment studies, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Did we answer your question about PCOS?Sources
The Office on Women's Health is grateful for the medical review by:
All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated. Page last updated: February 22, 2021 How common is it to get pregnant with PCOS?Most women with PCOS have a 20 to 40 percent chance of getting pregnant with IVF treatment. Women who are 35 years old and older or who are overweight have a lower chance of getting pregnant.
Is it easy to get pregnant with PCOS?So women with PCOS are more likely to have trouble conceiving than other women. While most women who have PCOS become pregnant, they often take longer to fall pregnant and are more likely to need fertility treatment than women without PCOS.
Can I get pregnant naturally if I have PCOS?PCOS is one of the most common contributing factors responsible for infertility. However, natural conception is possible. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle are some of the simplest ways to boost your odds. Women with PCOS who have a healthy weight are more likely to get pregnant than those who aren't.
How long does it take for someone with PCOS to get pregnant?If you have PCOS, you can still expect to conceive within a year (or even less) as long as you are ovulating normally and have no other risk factors for infertility. If you do, it may take longer or require the input of a fertility specialist.
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