What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts ovulation. It is a condition that affects one in 10 women of childbearing age.
If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of androgens (male hormones), which may disrupt your reproductive hormone balance, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. On an ultrasound, you may see a higher than normal number of small follicle cysts (fluid-filled sacs with immature eggs) on your ovaries due to lack of ovulation (anovulation). These cysts aren’t dangerous or painful, and, despite the name “polycystic,” not everyone with PCOS has cysts on their ovaries.
Having PCOS may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar and weight gain). Metabolic syndrome is also a risk factor for health conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and stroke. PCOS can be associated with female infertility.
Your women’s health specialist can help you find lifestyle changes and treatments that can help alleviate symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and improve your chances of having a baby, if that’s your goal.
Symptoms of PCOS
A diagnosis is typically made when you have at least two of the following clinical findings:
- An increased number of cysts on one or both ovaries, which, despite the condition’s name, do not occur in all women with PCOS
- Irregular periods, including missed periods, absence of periods or heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) during periods
- Higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones) on blood work or physical exam
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely and are related to the hormonal imbalance. They may include:
- Irregular periods: Inconsistent ovulation may lead to infrequent or too frequent periods.
- Darkening of the skin: Patches of dark skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, may develop in the folds of the neck, armpits, groin and under your breasts.
- Excessive hair growth: Women may experience excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen or upper thighs. This condition, called hirsutism, affects more than seven in 10 women with PCOS.
- Infertility: Lack of ovulation due to high androgen levels may cause infertility.
- Hair loss: PCOS may cause thinning hair or hair loss.
- Skin problems: Women may experience skin tags, oily skin, or severe or persistent acne on the face, chest or upper back.
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: Obesity affects four out of five women with PCOS. Excess weight often centers around the midsection.
When to see a doctor
Visit your OBGYN or primary care physician if you have fewer than eight periods in a year or have periods more frequently than every 21 days. You should also speak to your provider if you are experiencing infertility or if you have symptoms of PCOS.
Your provider can help determine whether PCOS or another condition is causing your symptoms.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS remains unknown. The condition runs in families, so genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. PCOS is more common in women who are obese.
The condition occurs because of a hormonal imbalance. Your ovaries produce estrogen and androgen, and when your ovaries produce too much androgen and not enough estrogen, you can develop PCOS.
Some symptoms of PCOS are related to levels of insulin, another hormone that helps your body’s cells use energy from sugar. Having too much insulin can lead to high androgen levels and weight gain.
PCOS risk factors
Any woman can develop PCOS. The condition affects as many as 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44, of all races and ethnicities. The following may increase your risk of PCOS:
- Excess androgen: This hormone may prevent ovaries from releasing eggs and contribute to acne and hair growth.
- Family history: Your risk of PCOS is higher if you have a mother, sister or aunt with PCOS, insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.
- Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance may lead to higher androgen levels, dark skin patches and weight gain. Insulin resistance also contributes to Type 2 diabetes, a condition associated with PCOS.
- Low-grade inflammation: Inflammatory markers are higher in women with PCOS.
How to diagnose PCOS
Piecing together a diagnosis for PCOS can sometimes be challenging. The symptoms can impact many aspects of your health, and there is no single test for PCOS. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical and pelvic exam. After that exam, your provider may order additional tests to investigate the potential causes of your symptoms.
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Physical and pelvic exams
These initial exams let your provider assess any outward signs of PCOS, such as excess hair growth or an enlarged thyroid, and take your blood pressure since PCOS can cause high blood pressure. Performing a pelvic exam will allow your provider to see whether your ovaries are too large or if you have a large clitoris, which can signal high levels of androgen.
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Blood tests
Blood tests can check your hormone levels and detect other conditions related to PCOS, including high cholesterol, diabetes or thyroid disease.
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Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs. Your provider may order a pelvic ultrasound to view your ovaries and the lining of your uterus called the endometrium. In some women, PCOS can cause the endometrium to thicken, a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia.
Treatment for PCOS
Although PCOS has no cure, you have multiple options for treating your symptoms and related conditions.
Your OBGYN will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs. The best plan for you will depend on many factors, including whether you have other health conditions and would like to become pregnant in the future. Your plan may include a combination of treatments.
Treatments if you do not plan to become pregnant
- Anti-androgen medications: These medications can help with acne and unwanted hair growth or loss.
- Combined hormonal birth control: Birth control with estrogen and progestin may help with acne, excess hair and menstrual irregularities.
- Metformin: This treatment for Type 2 diabetes can help with PCOS symptoms, by lowering androgen levels and helping you ovulate.
Treatments if you plan to become pregnant
If you wish to become pregnant, your provider can connect you with a fertility specialist, who can recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Whether or not you plan to become pregnant, lifestyle changes that allow you to lose weight, control high blood pressure and lower cholesterol can help you prevent complications of PCOS and regulate your hormones.
Losing weight can:
- Help you conceive
- Lower blood pressure, cholesterol and your risk for Type 2 diabetes
- Reduce excess hair growth and acne
- Regulate your menstrual cycles
Your provider may recommend:
- Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
- Limiting dairy and carbohydrates: Focus on eating lean protein sources (poultry, legumes and fish), fiber and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocados.
Additionally, your provider can suggest medications to help you manage cosmetic symptoms of PCOS, such as anti-acne medications and topical creams to slow hair growth.
Find specialized care for PCOS
The women’s health providers at Baylor Scott & White offer comprehensive care for PCOS and can arrange specialized care for infertility and other complications at our women’s health centers across North and Central Texas.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
AccentCare Home Health of Brenham
526 W Main St , Brenham, TX, 77833
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
119 Medical Park Lane Ste C, Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
1605 Rock Prairie Rd Ste 206, College Station, TX, 77845
AccentCare Home Health Of Denton
225 W. Mulberry St. Ste A, Denton, TX, 76201
AccentCare Home Health Of Desoto
911 York Drive Ste 203, DeSoto, TX, 75115
AccentCare Home Health Of Fort Worth (Arlington)
700 Highlander Blvd Ste 205, Arlington, TX, 76015
AccentCare Home Health of Huntsville
122 Medical Park Lane B , Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of Marble Falls
1100 Mission Hills Dr Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney
6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070
AccentCare Home Health Of Taylor (Hutto)
567 Chris Kelley Blvd Ste 201, Hutto, TX, 78634
AccentCare Home Health Of Temple
3809 S General Bruce Dr Ste 105B, Temple, TX, 76502
AccentCare Home Health Of Waco
8300 Central Park Dr Ste A, Waco, TX, 76712
AdventHealth Central Texas
2201 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Infectious Disease Clinic
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd MOB1, Ste 104, Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute
900 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute - Huntsville
122 Medical Park Ln Ste A, Huntsville, TX, 77340
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiovascular and Imaging Consultants
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center - Fort Worth
1420 8th Ave Ste 103, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Decatur
2401 S FM 51 Ste 200, Decatur, TX, 76234
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Keller (Satellite)
3124 N Tarrant Pkwy Ste 204, Keller, TX, 76177
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - McKinney (Satellite)
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Plano
4716 Dexter Dr Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Bldg 1, Ste 360, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene
1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Amarillo
1901 Medi Park Dr Ste 2051, Amarillo, TX, 79106
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Lubbock
3711 22nd St Ste B, Lubbock, TX, 79410
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Midland/Odessa
420 E 6th St Ste 102, Odessa, TX, 79761
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Waxahachie
2360 N Interstate 35E MOB 2, Ste 310, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Specialists - Fort Worth
1250 8th Ave Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Lung Disease Specialists - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Ambulatory Endoscopy Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 210, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
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June 26, 2025