Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting people with ovaries, impacting an estimated 8-13% of reproductive-age women worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people live with PCOS for years without a diagnosis, simply because the symptoms are varied and often attributed to other causes. Understanding the common signs and knowing when to seek medical evaluation is the first step toward proper management.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by an imbalance in reproductive hormones. The name is somewhat misleading—it is not just about ovarian cysts. Instead, PCOS involves a combination of symptoms related to elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone), irregular ovulation, and often insulin resistance. This hormonal environment can lead to a wide range of symptoms including irregular periods, fertility challenges, acne, excess hair growth, and metabolic changes.
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, which require at least two of the following three features: (1) Irregular or absent ovulation (oligoovulation or anovulation), (2) Clinical or biochemical signs of high androgen levels, and (3) Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound. Importantly, other conditions that could cause similar symptoms must be ruled out. This is why proper medical evaluation—including physical exam, blood tests for hormones and metabolic markers, and sometimes an ultrasound—is essential and cannot be replaced by an online tool.