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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Contents of this Article

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for Polycystic (pronounced - pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome.

PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman's:

• Menstrual cycle
• Ability to have children
• Hormones
• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Appearance

With PCOS, women typically have:

• High levels of androgens (pronounced - AN-druh-junz). These are sometimes called male hormones, although females also make them.
• Missed or irregular periods.
• Many small cysts (pronounced - sists) in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.

References:
April 2007
www.4woman.gov/
Reviewed By: Louis V. DePaolo, Ph.D.
Chief, Reproductive Sciences Branch
Center for Population Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development