Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is an area of disagreement among medical professionals. While most women with polycystic ovary syndrome have polycystic ovaries, some doctors will diagnose a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome based on other physical symptoms or hormone abnormalities.

Some of the other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding;

• Infrequent or no ovulation;

• Increased serum levels of male hormones, such as testosterone;

• Inability to get pregnant within six to 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse (infertility);

• Pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months;

• Weight gain or obesity;

• Diabetes, over-production of insulin, and inefficient use of insulin in the body;

• Abnormal lipid levels (such as high or low cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides);

• High blood pressure (over 140/90);

• Excess growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes;

• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair;

• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff;

• Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds; and

• Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area.