Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of child-bearing age, affecting around 6 million women and girls in the United States.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among girls and women in their child-bearing years. Illustration by Minghui Zhang

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of hormonal imbalance affecting women and girls of reproductive age. It can cause menstrual cycle changes, increased facial and body hair, acne, ovarian cysts, infertility, and metabolic issues.

It is the most common hormonal disorder in women of child-bearing age, affecting up to one in 10 American girls and women aged 16 to 40 years across all race and ethnicity groups. Globally, it affects up to 20 percent of this population.