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If you have PCOS, you will likely have irregular, infrequent, or no menstrual period. Look for noticeable menstrual irregularities, including long intervals between menstrual periods, the prolonged absence of menstrual periods, very heavy or very light menstrual periods, and bleeding between menstrual periods. Check for the following: Length of time between periods is longer than 35 days Fewer than 8 periods per year No period for 4 months or longer Lengths of time when you have either very light or very heavy periods Studies show that about 50% of women with PCOS have prolonged intervals between their menstrual periods (this is known as oligomenorrhea). About 20% of women with PCOS have no menstrual periods (this is known as amenorrhoea). Infrequent or irregular ovulation is called oligoovulation. Anovulation is the complete absence of ovulation. If you suspect that you are not ovulating whether the root of the problem turns out to be PCOS or something else you should see a doctor. Healthy women have small amounts of androgens ("male" hormones) present in their bodies. Polycystic ovaries tend to produce larger amounts of androgens due to higher levels of the luteinizing hormone (normal levels of this hormone regulate the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs) and insulin. This problem may produce upsetting symptoms, including increased facial and body hair. This is called hirsutism. Extra hair might grow on your face, stomach, toes, thumbs, chest or back. Increased androgens in the body may also cause hair loss, thinning hair, or male pattern baldness. You may lose hair gradually. Check for more than normal amounts of hair in the shower drain, for example. Hyperandrogenism (increased androgens) may also cause oily skin with increased acne. You may also experience dandruff, which is a scalp condition in which skin flakes off. Dandruff A polycystic ovary is an ovary with more than 12 cysts, each measuring 2 to 9 millimeters in diameter. The cysts are located around the periphery of the ovary, leading to an increase in ovarian volume. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove these cysts. To determine if you have polycystic ovaries, your doctor will need to order an ultrasound. You should have a reproductive endocrinologist review the results of your ultrasound. A reproductive endocrinologist specializes in reproductive and fertility issues, such as PCOS, endometriosis, in-vitro fertilization and uterine abnormalities. If the ultrasound is reviewed by a non-specialist, a polycystic ovary is often called 'normal,' meaning no tumor is seen. This is because this doctor is not trained to see specific abnormalities. Sometimes, doctors might misdiagnose the problem, or suggest that the patient exercise more to lose the weight caused by PCOS.
Track your period. Look for increased facial and body hair. Monitor for hair loss and baldness. Look for oily skin, acne or dandruff. Ask your doctor about polycystic ovaries.