Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS Care
Personalized care for irregular periods, hormonal symptoms, acne, excess hair growth, fertility concerns, and the metabolic health considerations associated with PCOS.
& ongoing care
PCOS is more than irregular periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, androgen levels, skin and hair, fertility, and metabolic health.
PCOS can look different from one woman to another. Some women experience irregular or absent periods, while others may notice acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, difficulty becoming pregnant, or changes related to insulin resistance.
You do not need to have every possible symptom to have PCOS. A personalized evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and what treatment approach is appropriate for your individual goals.
A condition that can affect the whole body
PCOS is commonly associated with reproductive and hormonal symptoms, but it can also be associated with longer-term metabolic health considerations.
Menstrual cycles
PCOS may cause periods to become irregular, infrequent, or absent because ovulation may not occur regularly.
Androgens
Some women with PCOS have elevated androgen levels or physical signs such as excess facial or body hair, acne, or scalp hair thinning.
Ovulation & fertility
Irregular ovulation can make pregnancy more difficult for some women. Treatment options are available when pregnancy is desired.
Metabolic health
PCOS can be associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of metabolic conditions, making ongoing health monitoring important.
What can PCOS look like?
PCOS does not affect everyone in the same way. Symptoms can vary considerably and may change over time.
Irregular periods
Periods may occur less frequently, become unpredictable, or stop for periods of time.
Excess hair growth
Increased facial or body hair, particularly on areas such as the face, chin, chest, or abdomen, may occur.
Acne
Hormonal changes associated with PCOS may contribute to persistent acne or oily skin.
Scalp hair thinning
Some women may experience thinning of the hair on the scalp or a pattern of hair loss.
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Irregular ovulation can affect fertility and may make it harder to become pregnant.
Weight changes
Some women with PCOS experience weight gain or have difficulty losing weight. PCOS can also occur in women who are not overweight.
Darkened skin
Darkened, thickened areas of skin can sometimes occur, particularly around skin folds.
Skin tags
Small skin tags may occur, including around the neck or under the arms.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
There is no single test that confirms PCOS in every woman. Your clinician may evaluate your menstrual history, symptoms, physical findings, laboratory results, and other possible causes of similar symptoms.
Your menstrual cycles, symptoms, fertility goals, medications, and health history may be reviewed.
Your clinician may look for signs associated with androgen excess and other health concerns.
Laboratory testing may be used to evaluate hormone levels and help rule out other conditions.
A pelvic ultrasound may be used as part of an evaluation when clinically appropriate.
PCOS care should fit your goals.
PCOS is a long-term condition, but symptoms and health risks can often be managed. Treatment depends on your symptoms, reproductive plans, overall health, and personal priorities.
Cycle management
Treatment may help make menstrual bleeding more predictable and address concerns associated with infrequent periods.
Hormonal symptoms
Depending on your situation, treatment may address acne, unwanted hair growth, or other symptoms related to androgen activity.
Fertility planning
If you want to become pregnant, your care plan can focus on ovulation and fertility. Additional fertility care may be recommended when appropriate.
Lifestyle & metabolic health
Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors can be important parts of managing PCOS and supporting overall health.
Birth control options
For women who are not currently trying to become pregnant, hormonal birth control may help regulate bleeding and manage certain PCOS symptoms.
Long-term monitoring
Depending on individual risk factors, your clinician may recommend monitoring areas such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and other metabolic markers.
PCOS does not mean you cannot become pregnant.
PCOS can interfere with regular ovulation, which can make conception more difficult for some women. However, many women with PCOS become pregnant, sometimes with assistance from fertility treatment.
If pregnancy is part of your future plans, tell your gynecologist. Your treatment strategy can be designed around your reproductive goals rather than simply treating individual symptoms.
Discuss your fertility goals →Your symptoms deserve attention.
Consider talking with an OB/GYN if you have persistent menstrual irregularity, signs of hormonal imbalance, fertility concerns, or other symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.
PCOS questions, answered.
Understanding PCOS can make it easier to have productive conversations with your healthcare provider.
What is PCOS? +
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, androgen levels, fertility, skin and hair, and metabolic health.
What are the most common symptoms of PCOS? +
Common symptoms can include irregular periods, excess facial or body hair, acne, scalp hair thinning, difficulty becoming pregnant, weight changes, and certain skin changes. Not every woman has every symptom.
Can you have PCOS without ovarian cysts? +
Yes. The name PCOS can be misleading because not every woman with PCOS has polycystic-appearing ovaries. Diagnosis considers the overall pattern of symptoms, hormone findings, menstrual function, and other possible causes.
Can PCOS cause irregular periods? +
Yes. Irregular or infrequent menstrual periods are a common feature of PCOS and may occur because ovulation does not happen regularly.
Can PCOS affect fertility? +
PCOS can affect fertility because irregular ovulation may make conception more difficult. Treatment options can help some women ovulate and become pregnant.
Can women with PCOS get pregnant? +
Yes. Many women with PCOS become pregnant. Some may require treatment to improve ovulation or may benefit from additional fertility care.
Does PCOS go away? +
PCOS is considered a long-term condition. Although there is currently no cure, symptoms and associated health risks can often be managed with an individualized care plan.
Can birth control pills help with PCOS? +
For women who do not wish to become pregnant, certain hormonal birth control methods can help regulate menstrual bleeding and may improve symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth. Your clinician can help determine whether a particular method is appropriate.
Does PCOS only affect women who are overweight? +
No. PCOS can occur in women at any body size. Weight is only one part of an individual's overall health and should not be used by itself to determine whether someone has PCOS.
What tests are used for PCOS? +
Depending on your symptoms, an evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes pelvic ultrasound. Testing can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Take the next step toward understanding your symptoms.
If you are concerned about irregular periods, hormonal symptoms, fertility, or possible PCOS, an OB/GYN evaluation can help you understand your options.
Trusted PCOS resources
This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation.