WHAT IS
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)?
PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system commonly affecting women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries or adrenal glands overproduce androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance causes fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries to aggregate and form many small cysts—hence the name of the disorder. PCOS causes annoying changes in skin and hair, including:
- Hormonal or sudden-onset acne
- Excessively oily skin
- Excess facial and body hair
- Female-pattern baldness