Polycystic ovary syndrome

In polycystic ovary syndrome, both of the ovaries become enlarged with multiple, fluid-filled cysts. The condition is thought to be caused by an imbalance of sex hormones, sometimes by a relative excess of luteinizing hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, and of the male sex hormone testosterone. This imbalance may prevent ovulation (egg release), thus reducing fertility, and sometimes leads to the excessive growth of body hair.


This syndrome is the most common female reproductive disorder, affecting about 1 in 20 women of childbearing age in the UK. The condition sometimes runs in families.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are variable. The condition may go unnoticed until a woman is tested for infertility. Symptoms include:

- Infrequent or absent periods.
- Obesity.
- Excessive hair growth.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of developing resistance to the action of the hormone insulin and this resistance may lead to diabetes mellitus. Women who are affected by the condition are also more likely to develop hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infraction.

What might be done?

If your doctor suspects that you have polycystic ovary syndrome, he or she will take blood samples to measure your levels of sex hormones and see if you have an imbalance. You may also have ultrasound scanning to look for ovarian cysts.

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you want to conceive. Infertility can be treated with drugs, such as clomiphene. If you do not want to have children, abnormal periods can be treated with a combined oral contraceptive pill.

To treat insulin resistance and reduce your risk of developing diabetes mellitus, your doctor may prescribe drugs such as melformin, which may also help to make