Up to 10 percent of pre-menopausal women will be struck with a disease known as PCOS. A hormonal disorder, PCOS causes multiple abnormal cysts to form on a woman’s ovaries. The majority of these cysts are harmless fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs that have attached to the lining of the ovary. Some cysts don’t dissolve on their own and continue to grow; this can lead to hemorrhaging, which can be especially painful and life-threatening.

The diagnosis of PCOS requires an ultrasound or scan of a woman’s abdomen. The common symptoms of PCOS are irregular, heavy or absent periods; ovarian cysts; infertility, weight gain; obesity; acne; skin growths; dark skin patches; high cholesterol; fatigue or the inability to concentrate; decreased sex drive; excessive facial or body hair; male pattern baldness; and an excess of male hormones.

Hormonal defects or imbalances are the causes of PCOS, which is classified as a disease. Every woman will experience different symptoms, so you don’t have to have all of the symptoms listed here to have PCOS. For some women, the effects of PCOS are quite mild; other women may have severe symptoms.

Studies on PCOS have shown that the best way to deal with the disease at present involves a correct diagnosis and proper treatment of symptoms. The treatment options for PCOS vary for different levels of the disease. One good approach is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. Regular visits to your doctor are essential for blood tests and monitoring insulin levels. You may also choose to try alternative treatment options for your particular form of PCOS.