Approximately 60-70 percent of women with PCOS exhibit menstrual dysfunction related to anovulation. The most common abnormalities are infrequent periods (oligomenorrhoea) and absence of period (amenorrhoea). Frequent and prolonged periods (polymenorrhoea) are very uncommon (less than two percent). One quarter of patients have regular periods.
They are either markers of hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones) or insulin resistance.
Hirsutism This is the growth of terminal hairs on the face or body in a male pattern. It is the most important feature of PCOS, affecting 65-75 percent of women and varies with ethnicity.
Acne Acne persisting beyond adolescence and oily skin can be clinical signs of hyperandrogenism. Its prevalence in PCOS is 12-14 percent.
Acanthosis nigricans It is a marker of insulin resistance occurring in 1 to 3 percent of women and manifests as dark and thickened, pigmented areas of skin commonly affecting the underarm, neck, perineum or skin surfaces of the elbow and knuckles.
The difficulty in conceiving is mainly due to chronic anovulation. PCOS accounts for approximately 75 percent of anovulatory subfertility.
Obesity is often associated with PCOS (30-70 percent), but many patients with PCOS are of normal weight.
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