Save up to 50% on new deals from 40 Boxes!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Wellness

What to know about PCOS, the most common hormonal issue affecting women

VIDEO: Everything you need to know about PCOS
4:07
Everything you need to know about PCOS
ABCNews.com
ByNidhi Singh
Video byNidhi Singh, Faith Bernstein, and Will Linendoll
August 12, 2019, 4:00 am

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormone abnormality that affects around 1 in 10 women.

The origins of PCOS aren't entirely clear but PCOS can affect women's overall health and appearance, and can be a treatable cause of infertility.

According to the National Institute of Health, the causes of PCOS are very complex. Lifestyle, genetics and health are all factors that affect PCOS.

"GMA" turned to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent and a practicing OBGYN, to understand how PCOS can affect the body.

(MORE: 6 questions to ask your employer about fertility benefits)

PHOTO: A patient talks to a doctor in this stock photo.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

1. Reproductive problems

Having PCOS can affect a woman's periods, causing them to occur too close to each other or too far apart. However, a woman can still have normal periods and be diagnosed with PCOS.

Despite what many people think, women with PCOS can and still do become biological mothers.

"Today with reproductive technology, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, or REI specialist [a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility], women with PCOS absolutely can get pregnant," Ashton said.

(MORE: The ABCs of infertility: Here's how people are getting pregnant in 2019)

2. Metabolic problems

For reasons not entirely understood yet, Ashton said women with PCOS have a five to seven times increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is critical for women with PCOS to maintain good nutrition and fitness practices as well as keeping their weight within a healthy range.

Because it's difficult for women with PCOS to metabolize carbohydrates, sticking to a low-carb diet might help improve some symptoms.

(MORE: The crippling cost of infertility: Here's what you need to know about resources, organizations that help)

PHOTO: Stock photo of pills.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

3. Acne and excess body hair

PCOS leads to high testosterone levels, which causes problems such as acne and excessive body hair.

"For women, the presence of acne on their back or chest is a red flag for PCOS," Ashton said.

The good news is that there are a number of treatment options for hormonal acne to lower testosterone levels, such as birth control pills and topical creams.

Excessive body hair may also be seen a lot in women with PCOS but it can be tricky to diagnose. If a woman has excessive hair at the side of their face, chin, upper lip, neck, between the breast, around the nipple or upper inner thigh, those can be signs of PCOS.

Treatment options are available through birth control, creams and laser removal, among others.

(MORE: Pregnancy and exercise: New study outlines the benefits for moms-to-be and baby)

Up Next in Wellness—

Woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 credits clinical trial with saving her life

October 3, 2023

Bruce Springsteen postpones tour: What to know about health condition he's experiencing

September 28, 2023

New consumer warning about websites selling drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro used for weight loss

September 27, 2023

Mom whose daughter died by suicide says parents need to talk with their kids

September 27, 2023

Up Next in Wellness—

Woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 credits clinical trial with saving her life

October 3, 2023

Bruce Springsteen postpones tour: What to know about health condition he's experiencing

September 28, 2023

New consumer warning about websites selling drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro used for weight loss

September 27, 2023

Mom whose daughter died by suicide says parents need to talk with their kids

September 27, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News