Obstetrics & Gynecology in Minnesota

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity, anovulation and hirsutism. The ovaries produce many small follicles, which contain eggs, but most often the eggs do not mature and are not released causing abnormal menstrual cycles. The cause of PCO is not entirely understood but appears to be related to insulin resistance.

Treatment includes weight loss, hormonal therapy, and possibly newer insulin sensitizers. Ovulation induction is often needed in order to conceive, particularly if the menstrual cycles are long.

Some of the long term risks include endometrial cancer if untreated, adult onset diabetes, lipid abnormalities and gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy).