The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically become apparent in late teens or early 20s and can vary widely among women. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all due to irregular or absent ovulation
- Difficulty getting pregnant because of ovulation problems
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism), usually on the face, chest, back, or buttocks
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp (male-pattern baldness)
- Oily skin or persistent acne
- Enlarged ovaries with many small follicles (often called "polycystic ovaries")
- Skin tags and dark, thickened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans), especially on the neck, armpits, or under the breasts
Other associated symptoms and risks include mood changes such as anxiety and depression, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer in the long term
. Not all women with PCOS will have all symptoms, and severity can vary. Many women are diagnosed when they experience menstrual irregularities or fertility issues
