©2018 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Additional Information.

home women's health center

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Topic Guide

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS, Stein-Levinthal syndrome) is a hormonal disorder in women. Symptoms and signs of PCOS include an irregular menstrual cycle, presence of excess male hormones, enlarged ovaries with small cysts, hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth. Conditions associated with PCOS include diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Treatment of PCOS can include medication or surgery.

Read the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Main Article
Doctor's Notes on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms

Must Read Articles:

Featured:

High Cholesterol
High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can lead to:

Causes of high cholesterol include:

  • Heredity
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Stress
  • Lifestyle choices

 Cholesterol levels can be reduced with lifestyle changes and medication if necessary (statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, or niacin).

Expert Views and News

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Topic Guide - Visuals

Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel Ethinyl Estradiol And Desogestrel

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary)...learn more »

ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel Ethinyl Estradiol And Levonorgestrel

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ova...learn more »

ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone Ethinyl Estradiol And Norethindrone

Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovar...learn more »

clomiphene Clomiphene

Clomiphene is a nonsteroidal fertility medicine. It causes the pituitary gland to release hormones needed to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg from ...learn more »