Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones that affects how the ovaries develop the egg released each month during the menstrual cycle and can cause the egg not to be released at all. Five to 10% of women between the ages of 15 to 44 have PCOS. Symptoms include abnormal and thinning hair growth, weight gain, darkening of the skin, and painful or irregular periods. Missed and irregular menstrual cycles can lead to cysts in the ovaries and infertility. In fact, most women with PCOS are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s only after experiencing challenges with becoming pregnant. Black women are underdiagnosed and disproportionately affected by PCOS and also are at increased risk of developing diabetes, uterine bleeding, cardiovascular disease, and psychological comorbidities. Pursuing and arriving at an accurate PCOS diagnosis is important for women to begin symptom management, decrease risk of developing serious health conditions, and continue family planning for those who so desire.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is part of the SWHR Gynecologic Health Network, which engages the following focus areas: Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Urology, and Uterine Fibroids.
Guides & Toolkits
This Women's Ferility Guide can help patients, women, and families navigate their fertility options, from creating a reproductive life plan...
Guides & Toolkits
The Clinician Fertility Guide was created to assist health care providers as they work with patients, women, and families to...
In this secondary blog, SWHR shares highlights from the interdisciplinary working group roundtable discussion held about endometriosis, in September 2023.
SWHR convened an interdisciplinary working group of health care providers, researchers, patients and patient advocates, and health care policy leaders for a roundtable discussion on endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is an endocrine disorder that affects the balance of reproductive hormones and affects an estimated 5 million women in the United States.
For Infertility Awareness Month, and in every month moving forward, SWHR is working to advance research, policy, and education on infertility and improve the lives of those affected.
Alopecia Areata – Alzheimer’s Disease – Atopic Dermatitis – Autoimmune Diseases – Bone Health – Diagnostics – Endometriosis – Expanded Carrier Screening – Eye Health – Fertility – Heart Health – HPV & Related Diseases – Liver Health – Lupus – Maternal and Infant Health Disparities – Menopause – Migraine – Narcolepsy – Noninvasive Prenatal Screening – Obesity – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Psoriatic Arthritis – Sleep Health – Urology – Uterine Fibroids – Vaccines
