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PCOS 101

The information below is a brief introduction to what PCOS is, what types of treatments are available, and other resources to help you educate yourself, friends, family, and medical practitioners about PCOS.

Short PCOS FAQ
What is PCOS?	What are the symptoms? What does a polycystic ovary look like?
What do I do?	Do I have PCOS? (Take the quiz!) Booklets and Information Packet
Where can I find support?	PCOSupport™ Chapters E-mail Lists Other online support Other support organizations
Where can I find a doctor?	Professional Member Directory Links to Medical Associations

What is PCOS?

What PCOS Is and Isn't

• Is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).
• Affects an estimated 6-10% of all women and most don't even know they have it.
• Is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet and exercise.
• Is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
• Has been identified for 75 years and they still aren't sure what causes it.
• Affects far more than just reproduction.
• IT IS NOT just a cosmetic problem.

Can include the following symptoms:

• Irregular or absent menses
• Numerous cysts on the ovaries in many, but not all, cases
• High blood pressure
• Acne
• Elevated insulin levels, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes
• Infertility
• Excess hair on the face and body
• Thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia)
• Weight Problems or obesity that is centered around your mid section

What a Polycystic Ovary looks like:

The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are follicles that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is released each month. (Source: http://onhealth.com).

I think I may have PCOS. What do I do?

One of the most important issues is determining whether you have PCOS. There are other endocrine disorders that are similar to PCOS, and it is important that you work with your doctor to determine if you have PCOS, or something else.
You can take our short quiz to help you determine how likely you are to have PCOS.