polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age (15 to 44). Between 2.2 and 26.7 percent of women in this age group have PCOS. It is characterized by an imbalance of sex hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth on the face and body. It involves cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male hormones, and irregular periods. PCOS can also cause infertility and increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant. Treatment options include hormonal birth control and the diabetes drug metformin. Birth control pills and diabetes drugs (which combat insulin resistance, a PCOS symptom) can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.