PCOS -Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

What causes PCOS?
No one knows for sure. PCOS runs in families, and researchers are studying whether specific genes are related to the condition. PCOS is more common in women who are obese and who have high insulin levels.

How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing PCOS involves several steps. First, a clinician will take a detailed medical history about the woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive events and perform a physical exam. Second, if the clinician suspects PCOS, he or she may recommend blood tests to measure hormone levels.

How is PCOS treated?
Although no cure exists, PCOS can be treated in several ways, often with excellent results. Clinicians often prescribe the birth control pill to reduce symptoms. Birth control pills help make menstrual periods more regular, reduce male hormone levels to normal, help clear acne, and usually slow the growth of excess hair and make it lighter and less coarse. Birth control pills also protect against cancer of the uterus, which may be a long-term health consequence of untreated PCOS.

Regular exercise and a low-calorie diet can help restore a healthy weight and reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Topical treatments can help reduce acne. Excess hair can be treated with medicines, bleaching, waxing, shaving, hair removal creams, electrolysis (use of small amounts of electric current to remove hair) or laser therapy. Special medicines, such as those that make the body more sensitive to insulin, may also help some women.

For women with PCOS who are want to become pregnant and are having trouble becoming pregnant, medicines are available to help cause ovulation, restore normal menstrual cycles, and improve the chances of pregnancy. For more information about PCOS and available treatments, speak with you clinician.

For more information, you may contact the following organizations:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
1-800-410-ACOG (2264)
http://www.acog.org
Center for Young Women

SCHS-Adapted from Contraceptive Technology
9/02