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Also called polycystic ovarian syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was first detected thousands of years ago. Today, it affects 10% of women of childbearing age, according to the .����

“Our understanding of PCOS has evolved over the past 50 to 70 years,” says Rekha Kumar, M.D., M.S., associate professor of Clinical Medicine and attending endocrinologist at the Weill �������ƽ�� Medical College specializing in endocrine disorders. One important lesson learned: “There are various presentations of PCOS, so it looks different in many people.”��

PCOS Explained��

Androgen is considered a male hormone, but women’s bodies produce a small amount of it. PCOS occurs when the ovaries or adrenal glands create excessive male hormones.����

It’s currently unclear what causes this abnormal hormone production. However, there seems to be a link. Your risk may increase if your mother, sister or aunt has experienced PCOS.��

Though rooted in hormones, PCOS can cause symptoms that mimic many different disorders. Dr. Kumar has seen it as a gynecologic disorder, endocrine disorder and metabolic disorder.����

Symptoms caused by PCOS include:��

Detecting the Problem��

There are two common paths to detecting polycystic ovary syndrome. The first relies on the Rotterdam criteria.��

“This is a clinical diagnosis, meaning that it doesn’t always require extensive testing,” Dr. Kumar says. “You can meet the criteria for PCOS without even knowing what your ovaries look like.”��

With the Rotterdam criteria, your provider diagnoses your condition without invasive testing. Instead, your diagnosis is based on the syndrome’s effects. The Rotterdam criteria are:��

Having two of the above confirms a diagnosis of PCOS. If you don’t experience symptoms, your provider can still detect PCOS through:��

Feeling the PCOS Effect��

Along with frustrating symptoms, PCOS can cause a variety of health issues. Complications of PCOS include:��

PCOS can also affect mental health. It may result in anxiety or depression. You may lose control of your eating habits, a disorder known as binge eating. Mention these issues to your provider to help with proper diagnosis and treatment.��

Getting PCOS Under Control��

To date, there is no cure for PCOS, but proper treatment can help manage symptoms. Treatments commonly available include:��

��A Final Word��

PCOS can be a challenge for any woman, but for women who desire to become pregnant, it can feel particularly difficult. According to the , PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.����

Thankfully, many women can overcome fertility issues brought on by the condition. Through proper treatment, you may regain appropriate hormone levels and ovulation and possibly become pregnant.��

Whether or not you want pregnancy, a multidisciplinary team helps ensure you get the care needed for the best quality of life. Team members who may help manage your care include:��

It’s important that you trust your providers and have a strong support system. Otherwise, you may feel unheard.��

“Be your own advocate,” Dr. Kumar says. “All physicians have strengths and weaknesses and interests. Seek out an endocrinologist or gynecologist who has an interest in PCOS. And if you feel that you're not being listened to, seek a second opinion and say why you're concerned.”��

Experiencing symptoms of PCOS? Find a doctor at �������ƽ�� who can diagnose your condition and help you achieve better health.��