About this condition
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic syndrome that can involve irregular ovulation, acne or increased hair growth and changes in blood sugar regulation. People vary widely in which features they experience. The syndrome is not defined solely by the appearance of many follicles on an ultrasound image.
Possible causes and clinical context
A clinician considers menstrual history, signs or laboratory evidence of excess androgens, relevant metabolic factors and appropriate diagnostic criteria while excluding other causes. Adolescents need distinct criteria: ultrasound appearance and anti-Müllerian hormone should not be used to establish a PCOS diagnosis in this age group.
Assessment and follow-up
Management depends on the person’s aims: cycle regulation, symptoms affecting skin or hair, metabolic health and future pregnancy plans. Options may include lifestyle support, selected hormonal or other medicines, and fertility-directed care if pregnancy is desired. Do not self-start hormones or medicines that stimulate ovulation.
PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Ovulation may be infrequent, but reproductive outcomes vary and should not be promised. Prolonged absence of periods deserves planned assessment because endometrial protection may also be needed.
Related topics: Irregular menstrual cycles; Ovarian cysts.
Signs and symptoms
- Irregular, infrequent or absent periods.
- Acne, excess hair growth or other androgen-related changes.
- Possible metabolic concerns or difficulty predicting ovulation.
Diagnosis and tests
Diagnosis uses a combination of findings, after excluding other causes of absent ovulation or androgen excess. A clinician may assess cycles, skin, blood tests and metabolic risks. Separate adolescent criteria apply; ultrasound alone is insufficient.
Care and treatment approaches
Care is tailored to cycle concerns, symptoms, metabolic risks and pregnancy plans. Options include supportive lifestyle measures and medicines where indicated. Treatment for conception is a separate decision; no result is guaranteed.
When to seek urgent care
PCOS itself is generally not an emergency. Seek urgent help for intense sudden abdominal pain, fainting, major bleeding or pain and bleeding when pregnancy is possible. Call 103 or 112 in Ukraine for dangerous symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ultrasound alone diagnose PCOS?
No. Diagnosis requires appropriate clinical criteria and exclusion of other causes; polycystic ovarian appearance alone does not establish the syndrome.
Does PCOS mean I cannot get pregnant?
No. Ovulation may be affected, but pregnancy remains possible and fertility support can be individualised without guarantees.
Are the criteria the same for teenagers?
No. Adolescents require separate criteria, and ultrasound or AMH is not used to establish PCOS in that age group.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
