Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Overview

Your Mayo Clinic doctor may tell you that your irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity are a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This disorder is common in women in their childbearing years. PCOS happens when your pituitary gland and ovaries overproduce certain hormones. Because those hormones can interfere with the production and release of eggs, PCOS is a common cause of infertility and may be the reason you have difficulty becoming pregnant.

If your adolescent daughter has irregular or heavy periods, that can be a sign of PCOS. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce her risk of long-term complications such as diabetes and heart disease.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for PCOS

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors treat hundreds of people who have polycystic ovary syndrome every year using research-based treatments and teaching women to adopt helpful lifestyle changes.
• Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors keep up with the latest research so that they can recommend the most appropriate treatments for disorders of women's reproductive organs.
• Team approach. Integrated teams of doctors can include those trained to treat women's reproductive disorders (gynecologists) and hormone disorders (endocrinologists and reproductive endocrinologists) along with doctors trained in other specialties.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for gynecology in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked high performing for gynecology by U.S. News & World Report.

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Read more about the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.