Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterised by a group of symptoms that occur because of a problem with the hormone levels in women. It mainly affects the ovaries (the small organs that store and release eggs), but it can also affect many other parts of the body. PCOS is a very common condition in women of childbearing age and in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.1
To understand PCOS, it helps to know how ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) normally works. Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from an ovary so it can be fertilised (joined with sperm to start pregnancy) by sperm. If fertilisation does not occur, the egg leaves the body during the menstrual period (monthly bleeding).1
In some women with PCOS, the body does not make enough of the hormones needed for normal ovulation. When ovulation does not occur, the ovaries may develop many small fluid-filled sacs called cysts. These cysts produce androgens (male hormones such as testosterone). Androgens are normally present in higher amounts in men, while women normally have them in smaller amounts.1 Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle (monthly reproductive cycle) and lead to many of the symptoms, such as irregular or infrequent menstrual periods, pain including pain with heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal ovulation, changes in hair (either excessive facial or body hair or female-pattern baldness), oilier skin and acne.1,2
Treatment for PCOS is usually managed with medicines. Although treatment does not cure PCOS, it can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of certain health problems.1
References: 1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [Internet]. Baltimore (MD): Johns Hopkins Medicine; Available from: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Accessed on: 12 February 2026. 2. World Health Organization. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [Internet]. Available from: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fact sheet. Accessed on: 12 February 2026.