(HealthDay News) — Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when a woman produces male hormones called androgens in excess.
This can lead to symptoms including weight gain, infertility, excess hair growth and irregular or nonexistent menstruation, says the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The lifelong condition can keep a woman from ovulating, which prevents pregnancy. And the woman’s ovaries tend to develop a number of cysts, which can be identified during an ultrasound examination.
Medication and lifestyle changes including regular exercise and weight loss can help alleviate symptoms of PCOS. Long-term care can help prevent potential complications, including endometrial cancer, diabetes or heart disease.