Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance in people assigned female at birth. With PCOS, your ovaries produce increased levels of male hormones, called androgens, which can cause a variety of health issues. Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from menstrual irregularities and infertility to high blood pressure and obesity.

Penn Medicine has experts in various disciplines, including endocrinology, gynecology, and cardiology, who work together to diagnosis, treat, and provide ongoing support for people with PCOS. This complex condition is treated at Penn’s PCOS Center, which offers collaborative, innovative PCOS care focused on helping you find relief for your symptoms and stay healthy.

Your symptoms may be severe or mild, or they may remain undiagnosed until issues such as infertility or unexplained weight gain become concerns. Typical PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Problems getting pregnant
• Issues with the skin, like acne
• Unusual hair growth
• Small cysts in the ovaries
• A heightened risk of developing other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity

Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by abnormal hormone levels that make it difficult for your body to release mature, healthy eggs from your ovaries. These mature eggs can stay stuck in the ovaries with fluid surrounding them, as cysts. Multiple small cysts may remain in the ovaries, which then become enlarged.

Unusual levels of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen hormones can contribute to developing the disease, although the cause of these hormonal changes is not always clear. Genetics may play a role, as people with this condition often have a close relative with the same symptoms.

A PCOS diagnosis is often made during your 20s or 30s, although it can sometimes happen around the time your first period starts. To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor will do a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and a check of your body weight. You’ll have blood tests to check hormone levels and other markers related to PCOS, like glucose levels and thyroid function. Imaging studies may be ordered to look for signs of polycystic ovaries, such as enlarged ovaries or multiple small cysts.

If you have PCOS, a variety of treatments can help, based on your specific symptoms and needs. Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes may be recommended for issues like high blood pressure or weight management. Medications may be prescribed to manage diabetes or hormone levels.

Different fertility treatments are highly successful for those seeking to become pregnant. It’s important to attend regular checkups during pregnancy so your care team can watch for conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or pregnancy loss since those with PCOS may have a higher risk. With regular monitoring, your doctor can treat any issues promptly to help you and your baby stay healthy.

PCOS is a complex disorder that can produce a range of health issues and symptoms. The PCOS Center at Penn Medicine brings together experts in endocrinology, fertility, gynecology, dermatology, cardiology, and other areas to diagnose and treat PCOS. We do thorough assessments to confirm the condition and create individualized plans to address your specific needs, from menstrual irregularities and fertility concerns to problems with weight management and skin disorders.

Because of Penn Medicine’s access to high-quality research facilities, you can also stay connected with clinical studies that help us develop promising new treatments for PCOS. We focus on providing the latest, innovative treatments so you’ll receive the most advanced care possible.