Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Quiz
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
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Excessive hair growth on the body
Hirsutism
My voice is changing
Thick, dark hair on face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs
Bleeding between periods
My voice is lower than normal
Bloody vaginal discharge
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What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a condition that can affect women during their reproductive years. It is generally diagnosed when women have irregular periods (menstrual cycles) along with features of excess male hormones (androgens). Patients typically have evidence of abnormal hair growth on their face, chest or abdomen. They can have multiple cysts (fluid sacs) on their ovaries when looked at by ultrasound, but this is not required. Patients with obesity have an increased risk for PCOS. The exact cause is unknown, but it can run in families and is related to hormonal imbalances (estrogen, insulin, testosterone etc).
Typical Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Excessive hair growth on the body
Long intervals between periods e.g. 39 days or more
Voice has become lower, deeper
Bleeding in between menstrual cycles / periods or after menopause
Abnormal menstrual cycles e.g. too early or too late
Pimples / Acne
Hair loss
Mental stress or physical exhaustion
Doctor's Diagnostic Questionson Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Has your body hair thickened recently?
Is your menstrual cycle infrequent?
Has your voice gotten deeper lately?
Have you experienced vaginal bleeding or discharge outside of your periods or after menopause?
Do you have irregular periods?
Treatmentof Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
The diagnosis must first be confirmed and other conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders must be ruled out. With PCOS, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, correcting diabetes and eating better can help. Many patients will need hormonal medications to control their menstrual cycle and reduce future risks. Treatment also can be used to reduce symptoms, such as laser or cream for hair removal. If fertility is desired, the specialist may advise on medications or minor surgeries to improve fertility. If fertility medicines are not effective, surgical procedures may be recommended. Many women can get pregnant with PCOS, sometimes with needed treatment.
Think you might have
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
View the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Diseases related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
References
Khan MJ, Ullah A, Basit S. Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspectives. Appl Clin Genet. 2019 Dec 24;12:249-260. doi: 10.2147/TACG.S200341. PMID: 31920361; PMCID: PMC6935309.
https://www.dovepress.com/genetic-basis-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-TACG
Otto-Buczkowska E, Grzyb K, Jainta N. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the accompanying disorders of glucose homeostasis among girls at the time of puberty. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2018;24(1):40-44. doi: 10.18544/PEDM-24.01.0101. PMID: 30083660.
https://www.termedia.pl/Czasopismo/Pediatric_Endocrinology_Diabetes_and_Metabolism-138/?doi=10.18544/PEDM-24.01.0101
Delcour C, Robin G, Young J, Dewailly D. PCOS and Hyperprolactinemia: what do we know in 2019? Clin Med Insights Reprod Health. 2019 Sep 9;13:1179558119871921. doi: 10.1177/1179558119871921. PMID: 31523136; PMCID: PMC6734626.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1179558119871921
Patel S. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an inflammatory, systemic, lifestyle endocrinopathy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2018 Sep;182:27-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.04.008. Epub 2018 Apr 17. PMID: 29678491.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960076018300396?via%3Dihub
Ajmal N, Khan SZ, Shaikh R. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and genetic predisposition: A review article. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X. 2019 Jun 8;3:100060. doi: 10.1016/j.eurox.2019.100060. PMID: 31403134; PMCID: PMC6687436.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590161319300948?via%3Dihub
ACOG Patient FAQ
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
User Testimonials
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Think you might have
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
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