Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Teens & Young Adults

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a group of symptoms that occur when the ovaries or adrenal glands produce too much male hormone. This can cause an absence of ovulation and lack of menstrual periods, thus infertility. Pelvic pain, obesity, excess hair growth, acne, obstructive sleep apnea and insulin resistance are also signs of PCOS.

These symptoms occur along with the main feature of the condition: cysts—fluid-filled sacs—on one or both ovaries ("polycystic" means "many cysts").

There is no definitive cause known and no cure. But diet, exercise, and medicines can help lessen the symptoms.