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You Are Here >> For Women >> Women & Acne >> Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Contents of this Article
Symptoms of PCOS
Not all women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
- Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
- Infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating
- Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes - a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)
- Ovarian cysts
- Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
- Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
- Pelvic pain
- Anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
- Sleep apnea - excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep
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