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Help for women with this hormonal imbalance

	If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you probably have irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all, and because your hormones are out of balance you may have unwanted hair growth, weight gain, and trouble getting pregnant. PCOS can be upsetting, but ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for your symptoms and to help you get pregnant.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medications rate best for treating PCOS.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating PCOS. Our clear and sound advice will help you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points about PCOS

• If you have PCOS you have problems with your hormones, particularly the ones that are made in your ovaries.
• Symptoms of PCOS include excessive facial or body hair or hair loss on your head, overweight, acne, and cysts on the ovaries.
• PCOS tends to run in families; about 4 in 10 women with PCOS have a sister with it.
• PCOS can make it difficult for some women to get pregnant, but lots of women with PCOS are able to have children, either with or without treatment.
• Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
• Losing weight may help with some of the symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS affects women in different ways. So it's hard to tell what will happen to you. It depends on what symptoms you get and whether you decide to have treatment. If your symptoms are very mild and you're not trying to get pregnant, you may feel better if you lose weight, or if you remove excess hair, without taking medication. If you are trying to get pregnant, a fertility specialist will guide you to the right treatments such as hormone medication or in vitro fertilization. It’s important to discuss your options and your concerns with your doctor.

Our concise condition report and treatment ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment or combined treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome are best for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 150 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.