What is it? ![](https://i0.wp.com/glenvillenutrition.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/woman-eating-salad-30263813_l.jpg?resize=257%2C386&ssl=1)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman’s levels of sex hormones are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts on the ovaries.
PCOS is thought to affect up to 10% of women of childbearing age and if you have two of the following three features you may be diagnosed:
- Irregular or absent periods – which means your ovaries don’t regularly release eggs or ovulate
- Excess androgens – high levels of “male hormones” in your body, which may cause physical signs such as acne or excess facial or body hair
- Polycystic ovaries detected on an ultrasound