The symptoms of PCOS usually become apparent in your late teens or early twenties. In many women, the only symptoms are menstrual problems or a failure to conceive.
Not all women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have all of the symptoms. Each symptom can vary from mild to severe.
The classic symptoms of PCOS are:
Fertility problems
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Many women discover they have PCOS when they're trying to get pregnant and are unsuccessful.
During each menstrual cycle the ovaries release an egg (ovum) into the uterus. This process is called ovulation and usually occurs once a month. Women with PCOS often fail to ovulate or they ovulate infrequently.
Risks in later life
Cardiovascular disease
Having PCOS can lead to an increased risk of:
These conditions can cause stroke or heart disease later in life.
This increased risk is associated with resistance to insulin (a substance released by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels), obesity and hormone imbalances.
Read more about the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Endometrial cancer
Women who have had absent or irregular periods for many years have a higher-than-average risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).
However, the chance of getting endometrial cancer is still very rare. This risk can be minimised by certain treatments to regulate periods, such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system (IUS).
Read more about how polycystic ovary syndrome is treated.
