A chronic condition caused by hormone imbalances, PCOS affects nearly 10 percent of all women. The syndrome is more commonly diagnosed in women of childbearing age.
Symptoms include infertility, excess hair, acne, and frequently missed periods. Women with PCOS usually have elevated insulin and androgen levels, which inhibits ovulation.
Experts believe that PCOS has a strong genetic component. Women diagnosed with PCOS are more likely to have a first-degree female relative with the disorder.
Early-stage studies have suggested that PCOS may be related to overexposure to the Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) while still in the womb. Smoking and obesity can also increase the risk of developing PCOS. In some women, stopping hormonal contraception may trigger temporary PCOS symptoms.
