PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects women’s ovaries. Ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle, as well as a small amount of the male hormone (androgens).

PCOS causes the body to produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones, which can cause issues such as hair growth on the face and body. In fact, more than 70 percent of women with PCOS suffer with excess hair growth, but other symptoms include:

• Acne breakouts on the face, chest and back
• Weight gain
• Darkening of the skin, common in creases around the neck, groin and under the breasts
• Headaches 

The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed that the high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing the hormones needed to make eggs as normal. Studies have also shown that PCOS can run in families.