PCOS is a disorder in which women often ovulate infrequently and experience signs and symptoms of increased androgen (“male” hormone) production. Excessive hair growth along the inner thighs, abdomen, chest, nipples and face are common with this disorder as are acne, weight gain and scalp hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome is perhaps the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS can lead not only to infertility and cosmetic problems, but may also predispose women to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. In many cases, PCOS can be effectively treated by a reproductive endocrinologist, mitigating or relieving infertility and the other associated symptoms and problems.
