Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS is a common hormonal condition that can affect periods, ovulation, and androgen (male-type hormone) levels. Many people with PCOS have irregular cycles and signs of higher androgens such as acne or unwanted hair growth. Some also have ovaries that look 'polycystic' on ultrasound, but you can have PCOS without ovarian cysts—diagnosis is based on symptoms, labs, and sometimes imaging.

PCOS symptoms vary, but common signs include: Irregular or missed periods; Acne; Excess hair growth (face/chin/chest); Weight gain or difficulty losing weight; Thinning hair on the scalp; Darkened skin in body folds (acanthosis nigricans) and skin tags. If you're noticing these symptoms, an endocrinology evaluation can confirm whether PCOS (or another hormone imbalance) is the cause.

Many people with PCOS have infrequent cycles, such as periods more than 35 days apart or only 6–8 periods per year. That pattern can be a sign of irregular ovulation, which is one of the key features clinicians evaluate when diagnosing PCOS. If your cycle has become unpredictable or you're skipping months, it's worth getting checked.

PCOS is diagnosed by combining your history, symptoms, and testing. In adults, many guidelines support diagnosing PCOS when two out of three are present: 1) Androgen excess (symptoms or labs), 2) Ovulatory dysfunction (irregular cycles), or 3) Polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound—after ruling out other causes that can look similar.

Yes. PCOS is a common cause of irregular ovulation, which can make it harder to conceive. PCOS is also linked with insulin resistance, which can raise the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes over time—so treatment often includes metabolic screening and long-term health planning, not just symptom relief.

PCOS treatment is personalized to your symptoms and goals. Options may include: Lifestyle and nutrition support for weight and insulin resistance; Hormonal birth control to help regulate cycles and improve acne/hair growth; Metformin for metabolic or blood-sugar concerns (when appropriate); Additional options for fertility support when pregnancy is a goal. Your provider will tailor the plan based on labs, symptoms, and risk factors.