What causes PCOS?

Author: Tania Gerhold  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal hormone levels.

What is the main cause of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There's evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS: Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles.

What is the root cause of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may lower the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

How did I suddenly get PCOS?

Research has shown that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of PCOS, but its exact cause remains unknown. The symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families, so genetics have long been a focus of PCOS research.

What is the hidden cause of PCOS?

Hidden-cause PCOS refers to circumstances in which the underlying cause of PCOS is not readily apparent. It might be genetic, environmental, or a mix of the two. Treatment: Hidden-cause PCOS treatment includes hormone management and lifestyle changes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Ask A Nurse | @LevelUpRN

What does a PCOS belly look like?

It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).

What age does PCOS start?

Signs and symptoms of PCOS usually begin around the time of puberty, although some females do not develop symptoms until late adolescence or even into early adulthood. Because hormonal changes vary from one female to another, patients with PCOS may have mild to severe acne, facial hair growth, or scalp hair loss.

What does PCOS discharge look like?

Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.

What are the four stages of PCOS?

What Are The Four Types of PCOs?
  • Insulin-Resistant PCOS. This is the most common type of PCOS, characterized by insulin resistance. ...
  • Inflammatory PCOS. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of this type of PCOS. ...
  • Hidden-Cause PCOS. In this type, the underlying cause of PCOS is not immediately apparent. ...
  • Pill-Induced PCOS.

Can you have a baby with PCOS?

Most people with PCOS can have a baby with fertility treatment. If you're under 35, your chances are better but even if you are older, you don't need to give up on conceiving. Cases vary and different treatments have different success rates, so there are no exact statistics.

What are the warning signs of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS may include:
  • Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.
  • Ovaries that are large or have many cysts.
  • Extra body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly.
  • Acne or oily skin.
  • Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
  • Infertility.

What is the best pill for PCOS?

The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.

Does stress cause PCOS?

Moreover, studies have also highlighted that metabolic stress can lead to development of the cardinal features of PCOS like hirsuitism, acne, obesity, infertility, psychological stress and long term health implications.

Can PCOS go away?

Contents. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1.

What can be mistaken for PCOS?

PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because some of its symptoms have a variety of potential causes. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding could be caused by a range of conditions, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, bleeding disorders, certain medications, or pelvic inflammatory disease, in addition to PCOS.

What is the life expectancy of a person with PCOS?

Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.

What is a PCOS belly?

PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.

How did I end up with PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS isn't known but it's thought to be caused by a hormone and metabolic (the chemical reactions in the body's cells that change food into energy) imbalance in the body.

Does PCOS get worse with age?

Moreover, the inflammatory and the metabolic parameters worsen with age, putting women with PCOS at increased risk of life-long health issues beyond menopause, especially the risk of developing CVD, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Does PCOS have an odor?

Typical signs in females are breast development, body odor, body hair, acne, mood swings, and menstruation. If you have experienced growth of facial hair or excess body hair, significant weight gain, worsening acne, and infrequent or prolonged periods, you might have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

How do I confirm if I have PCOS?

To diagnose PCOS, an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders, conducts a physical exam. He or she checks you for increased body and facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, and other symptoms of increased androgen levels.

What does untreated PCOS look like?

Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face and body. Thinning hair on the scalp. Acne on the face, chest, or upper back. Darkening of skin, specifically around neck creases, in the groin, and under the breasts.

How do gynecologists check for PCOS?

During a pelvic exam, your provider can check your reproductive organs for masses, growths or other changes. Blood tests. Blood tests can measure hormone levels. This testing can exclude possible causes of menstrual problems or androgen excess that mimic PCOS .

What does a PCOS flare up feel like?

Mood swings: Because of the hormonal imbalance, women with PCOS also have a higher risk for depression, anxiety and extreme or rapid changes in mood. Heavy, painful periods: PCOS can cause painful periods with heavy bleeding. This can cause additional issues, such as anemia, and is often unpleasant and even scary.

What is PCOS hair?

Women affected by PCOS commonly report bothersome excess hair growth, acne or balding (scalp hair loss or thinning). Hirsutism refers to the excess growth of coarse, often long and dark hair, in a male-like pattern over the face, chest, abdomen, back, arms and legs.

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