POS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Can not lose the weight? Having irregular menstrual periods? Having excessive pain and acne? You may have PCOS. Keep reading to find out.

Individuals with PCOS have at least two of the following three characteristics:

Higher than typical levels of testosterone. This can manifest as acne or excessive hair growth, especially around the face (hirsutism).
Irregular or absent ovulation (release of egg from an ovary). This can manifest as fewer or missing menstrual cycles.
Polycystic ovaries. This can be seen on ultrasound as a more than usual developing follicles in both ovaries.

PCOS is very common and affects 5% - 10% of people with ovaries.

Symptoms of PCOS may include irregular menstrual periods, obesity with difficulty losing weight, excessive growth of central body hair (a condition called hirsutism), and infertility caused by absent or decreased frequency of ovulation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should consult with your healthcare specialist to discuss treatment options.

Learn more about symptoms, treatment options, options for those actively trying to conceive and more by calling our clinic and having an appointment with our OBGYN Specialist, Dr. Melhem Danda, MD, FACOG