What is PCOS?

Last reviewed June 1, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom linePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting roughly 1 in 10 women, marked by irregular periods, excess androgens, and multiple small follicles on the ovaries; diagnosis requires 2 of those 3 criteria, and symptoms are managed with lifestyle changes, hormonal birth control, and targeted medications.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. It affects roughly 1 in 10 women and can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but several factors play a role:

• Excess androgens: Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens), which can prevent ovulation and cause symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
• Insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies can't use insulin effectively. This leads to higher insulin levels, which can increase androgen production.
• Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you may be more likely to develop it.
• Inflammation: Research suggests that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates the ovaries to produce androgens.

How does PCOS affect your cycle?

PCOS can cause:

• Irregular periods: Cycles that are longer than 35 days or fewer than 8 periods per year
• Missed periods: Some women with PCOS may go months without a period
• Heavy bleeding: When periods do occur, the uterine lining has had more time to build up, so bleeding may be heavier

Diagnosis

PCOS is typically diagnosed when you have at least two of these three criteria:

1. Irregular or absent periods
2. Signs of excess androgens (acne, excess hair growth) or blood tests showing high androgen levels
3. Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound (many small follicles on the ovaries)

Treatment

While there's no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be managed through:

• Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight)
• Hormonal birth control to regulate periods
• Medications to manage specific symptoms
• Fertility treatments if you're trying to conceive

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you experience irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, or signs of excess androgen levels. Early diagnosis and management can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Tracking your cycle with Femora can help you identify irregular patterns early and provide your healthcare provider with detailed cycle data for more accurate diagnosis.