It is a condition which occurs when the body produces large amounts of the male hormone testosterone and excessive amounts of LH, or luteinizing hormone.

The ovaries of a woman with PCOS are enlarged and they develop many tiny cysts on the surface. These cysts include egg follicles which are immature - meaning that they don't grow properly - due to a hormonal imbalance.

What are the causes?

You are more likely to develop PCOS if:

• your mum or sister has the condition; it has been suggested that PCOS runs in families.
•  there is a history of Type 2 diabetes in your family.
• you are overweight; if you have a particularly high BMI you may have difficulties conceiving.
•  there is a history of male baldness at an early age in your family.

What are the symptoms?

There are several main symptoms of PCOS - these include:

• irregular periods
• skin problems such as acne and greasy skin
• unwanted hair growth
• infertility. If periods are irregular, then this means that a woman will ovulate rarely which can make it harder for her to conceive.
• weight gain. This occurs because women with PCOS are resistant to insulin, so sugar is not burned efficiently but is stored as fat. This in turn causes the ovaries to produce too much testosterone.  
• a higher risk of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage

How can I help?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, the best course of action to take is visit your doctor. He may then take some blood tests to measure your hormone levels and/or refer you for an ultrasound scan where it will be established whether or not you are suffering from PCOS. If you do have polycystic ovaries, your doctor may recommend drug treatment which will seek to improve ovulation. This will however depend on the severity of your case and his decision might be based on factors such as whether you are currently trying to conceive.

By eating a healthy diet you will improve your general wellbeing and, if you are overweight, this will help you to reach an optimum weight which will increase your chances of conceiving. Read our feature on Healthy Diet for a mum-to-be for tips on how to improve your diet.

You can also help to reach your optimum weight through gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga and swimming.

Some women find that alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, help to boost their fertility.

If you do suffer from unwanted hair growth, for example on your face or chest, then there are ways that you can treat this, for instance by waxing, shaving or using hair-removal creams. For a long-term solution you could try laser treatment.

How common is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects between 5 and 10% of women. It has been estimated that about 1 in 4 women will have polycystic ovaries but they won't necessarily experience any of the above symptoms and may continue to ovulate regularly. Approximately 1 in 10 women will suffer from the actual syndrome and they are likely to experience at least one of the classic symptoms.

Why not chat to other mums who are trying to conceive with PCOS in our Fertility or Trying for a baby chat forums? Or you could create your own group to meet others in the same boat as you.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Last Modified: 24/02/2009