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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
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Symptoms of PCOS
Amenorrhea: Absence or suppression of menstruation. Women with PCOS may have a spectrum of menstrual abnormalities. Some women have a complete absence of menstrual cycles or intervals of absence of menstrual cycles which is referred to as oligomenorrhea. These patterns of abnormal menstrual cycles is caused by abnormal ovulation.
Hirsutism: an increase in the central or midline distribution of hair. For example, hair on the chin, upper lip, abdomen, between the breasts and buttocks. This is not to be confused with hypertrichosis: the presence of hairy arms, legs or side-burns that may be the result of normal ethnic or cultural hair distribution. |
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Hirsutism may be due to an increased production of male hormones such as testosterone, but may also be due to increased sensitivity of the skin and hair follicles to the androgens. There is also a reduction in the clearance (metabolism) or breakdown of the male hormones. Therefore, the male hormones need not be elevated for the diagnosis of PCOS.
Hyperandrogenism: The diagnosis of hyperandrogenism is made when laboratory tests show an elevation of one or more of the three common “male” hormones, referred to as androgens. These hormones include:
- DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)-which is almost exclusively secreted by the adrenal glands.
- Testosterone-which is secreted by the adrenal gland and the ovary.
- Androstenedione-which is produced by both the adrenal gland and the ovary. Hyperandrogenism occurs in approximately 50-60% of patients with PCOS.
Obesity: An abnormal amount of fat on the body that is at least 20-30% over average weight of her age and height. In actuality, 25-50% of women with PCOS are normal weight or thin.
Acne: An inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin, characterized by papules and pustules. Cysts and nodules may develop and scarring may occur.
Alopecia: Absence or loss of hair.
Infertility: The inability or diminished ability to produce offspring. With PCOS, this is usually due to abnormal or absent ovulation.
Polycycstic Ovaries: Ultrasound exam of the ovaries in women with unexplained hyperandrogenism and irregular or skipped menstrual cycles, frequently shows ovaries that appear polycystic, meaning multiple small follicles on each ovary. However, polycystic ovaries are a nonspecific finding and may be found frequently in women with normal endocrine studies.
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