Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Overview

Mayo Clinic is one of few medical centers with expertise in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Specialists from Endocrinology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Gynecology and other areas work together to find the best treatment for patients. Mayo Clinic treats hundreds of patients who have PCOS each year. Evaluation can usually be completed in a few days and treatment to control the signs and symptoms is often successful. Mayo Clinic physicians make sure patients' questions are answered and that patients are comfortable with their diagnosis and possible treatment options.

Diagnosis

Doctors will conduct an extensive history and examination and focus testing on hormonal and metabolic abnormalities that affect reproduction or predispose to diabetes or cardiovascular disorders. Read more about PCOS diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Mayo Clinic doctors have extensive experience treating various manifestations of PCOS. Treatments may include oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual periods, anti-androgens that reduce the production of testosterone, infertility treatments and medications that lower insulin levels. Lifestyle modification is an important emphasis at Mayo Clinic, especially for overweight patients. Changes in diet and exercise alone — or combined with drug therapy — often yield results. Laparascopic cauterization and ovarian drilling may be used in selected situations. Read more about
PCOS treatment options.

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About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age in the U.S. It occurs when the ovaries overproduce androgens (male hormones); this may result from overproduction of lutenizing hormones (LH), which are produced by the pituitary gland.

PCOS is often marked by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity. Irregular or heavy periods may signal the condition in adolescence, or PCOS may become apparent later when a woman has difficulty becoming pregnant. PCOS is a common cause of infertility.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of long-term complications, which include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, disorders of lipid metabolism and endometrial cancer.

Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
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