1 / ​What causes PCOS? 

The cause of PCOS is unknown.  However, you are more likely to have PCOS if your mother or sister also has it. [3]

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2 / What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant. The most common PCOS symptoms are:

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• Irregular periods: A lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from shedding every month. Some women with PCOS get fewer than eight periods a year or none at all.

• Heavy bleeding: The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal.

• Hair growth: More than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest. Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.

• Acne: Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.

• Weight gain: Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity.

• Male pattern baldness: Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.

• Darkening of the skin: Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.

• Headaches: Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.

• Hormone imbalances can affect a woman’s health in many ways. PCOS can increase the risk of infertility, metabolic syndrome (heart disease, diabetes, stroke), sleep apnea, endometrial cancer, and depression. [4]

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3 / Is there a cure or treatment for PCOS?

There is no cure for PCOS.  However, treatments can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS and lower your odds for long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease: talk to your doctor about your goals so you can come up with a treatment plan; lifestyle changes (diet and exercise); and certain medications. [5]