In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, immature follicles form cysts or lumps, so the follicles can’t release eggs. Women with PCOS often don't have menstrual periods or have irregular periods, which often makes getting pregnant difficult.

PCOS symptoms include irregular, heavy or painful periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain and infertility.

If you have PCOS, your primary healthcare provider or endocrinologist may recommend that you undergo screening for type 2 diabetes. Researchers in one study of over 8,000 women found that those who had PCOS were 4 to 8.8 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women who didn’t have polycystic ovary syndrome.

The most important treatment is lifestyle changes and weight loss in women who are overweight or obese. There have been studies that have shown that even just a five percent loss in weight dramatically improves symptoms and actually can regulate periods so exercising regularly.

There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but your physician may refer you to an endocrinologist for PCOS management.