Many women who have this condition have no symptoms at all however, the symptoms that can occur are as follows :

Menstrual irregularities and Fertility

Infrequent or absence of ovulation will result in irregular or no periods at all (amenorrhoea) and the may experience difficulty in getting pregnant.

Androgenic symptoms

As a result of the increased production of androgens by the ovaries women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may suffer from an excess hair growth particularly affecting the face and the chest, thighs and forearms. This is often associated with acne, greasy skin and scalp hair loss.

Weight gain

The high level of circulating insulin causes increasing weight and an increase in weight causes further rises in serum insulin resulting in a vicious circle. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, therefore, are often overweight and find it very difficult to lose weight. The more overweight a woman is the more marked her symptoms. Weight loss and exercise can lead to a reduction in the level of insulin many of the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome will regress.

Risk of miscarriage

It has been suggested that women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are at an increased risk of miscarriage. The scientific literature is unclear on this, however it is known that women who are overweight tend to more likely to miscarry. It is possible therefore that the increased risk of miscarriage is due to the obesity associated with this condition.

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