Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inherited condition affecting up to 10% of women of childbearing age, characterized by multiple cysts in enlarged ovaries, leading to irregular or absent ovulation and menstrual periods, and is a major cause of female infertility. Symptoms, which appear at puberty, include high blood pressure, central obesity, facial acne, hirsutism, thinning scalp hair, and insulin resistance, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis involves history, ultrasound, blood pressure checks, and diabetes screening. Treatment focuses on symptom management and risk reduction for diabetes and heart disease, including weight loss, exercise, medications like metformin and spironolactone, oral contraceptives, and mechanical or laser methods for excessive hair growth.