Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is when hormones are not balanced. Hormone imbalance creates problem in the ovaries. During a healthy menstrual cycle, the ovaries make the egg that is released each month. With PCOS, the egg may not develop or it may not be released.

Healthy Ovary
Ovary with cysts
What are possible causes?
  • The exact cause is unknown, but genetics can play a part.
What are symptoms?
  • Missed or irregular menstrual period
  • More hair on face, chin, or parts where men usually have hair (hirsutism)
  • Acne on face, chest, and upper back
  • Hair loss or thinning hair
  • Difficult with losing weight
  • Weight gain
What to do?
  • Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
  • Eat consistent carbohydrates to improve the use of insulin
  • Regular exercise
  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos. Accessed January 24, 2021.
  2. Polycystic ovary syndrome. womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2021.
  3. Treatment - Polycystic ovary syndrome. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/. Updated February 1, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2021.
  4. Wolfram Rby T. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. EatRight. https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/fertility-and-reproduction/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome. Published September 9, 2018. Accessed January 24, 2021.