If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, your doctor may initiate a series of tests. The first of these is a pelvic examination, during which your doctor can feel if you have any cysts on your ovaries. Your doctor may then carry out a full physical examination which will generally require a detailed history of your menstrual cycles, reproductive history, birth control usage, and pregnancies.

If cysts are found, your doctor may refer you for a vaginal ultrasound, which screens the ovaries and examines the condition of the cysts.

Your doctor may also recommend a series of blood tests to check your hormone levels, insulin and glucose levels, and your cholesterol.

PCOS is a leading cause of fertility problems and can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. It may also contribute to ongoing health problems in later life.

Fertility and miscarriage. PCOS can prevent ovulation for some women which means that they can't get pregnant. Some women continue to menstruate but their periods may be infrequent. There are several types of medication that may be prescribed to help in this situation including fertility drugs, steroids, or insulin-sensitizing medications. The reasons why women who have PCOS experience higher rates of miscarriage are not yet known. This is an area of ongoing study. If you have PCOS, preventing miscarriage is possible if you work with your doctor and normalize hormone levels to improve ovulation. You can also aim to normalize blood sugar, glucose, and male hormone levels.

Diabetes. Insulin resistance is a symptom of PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that helps to transfer sugar from the bloodstream to the parts of the body that need energy, such as tissues and organs. Insulin resistance occurs when the body resists this process and, in an attempt to rectify the imbalance, more insulin is secreted. Many of the symptoms of PCOS are thought to be related to an excess of insulin. When there is too much insulin present, the ovaries produce extra testosterone which in turn contributes to irregular menstruation and many other symptoms of PCOS, such as cysts, facial and body hair, acne, and hair thinning. Insulin resistance may also contribute to the distribution of fat – many women with PCOS carry weight around the abdomen. Excess abdominal fat makes insulin resistance worse. Up to 40% of women with PCOS will develop either impaired glucose tolerance, which is a pre-diabetic condition, or diabetes by the time that they are 40 years old.

Other risks. PCOS is also linked to abnormal uterine bleeding and a pre-cancerous condition called endometrial hyperplasia. These conditions develop as a result of too much estrogen and too little progesterone. Over a period of time, endometrial hyperplasia can also develop into endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining). High cholesterol, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and heart disease are also associated with PCOS over the longer term. PCOS may also contribute to depression and mood swings.

At this stage there is no known cure for PCOS, although the syndrome can be managed effectively with medications, including birth control pills. One of the most important aims of treating PCOS is to minimize any long term complications associated with the condition including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure. A low-fat, low glycemic diet with an emphasis on weight control and regular exercise is generally a good prescription for managing the symptoms of PCOS.

If you are obese or overweight, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight may actually greatly reduce your symptoms. A healthy, balanced diet and plenty of exercise will also help. Many of the symptoms of PCOS respond to weight loss and exercise because both of these improve insulin sensitivity.

Hormones, insulin sensitizing medications, and sometimes androgen-blocking drugs can also be used in treatment. Insulin sensitizing drugs should not be used during pregnancy or if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Different medications can be used for the various other symptoms of PCOS, including medications for regulating your menstrual cycle, medications for reducing excessive hair growth, and medications to help achieve pregnancy. Hair removal treatments are also an option.

It’s best to talk to your doctor about the most effective ways to manage your condition and treat your symptoms. Regular visits to your doctor are recommended.