What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

It is a metabolic syndrome which can affect the whole body. Signs of PCOS include irregular periods, obesity, skin discoloration, acne and hirsutism (dark hair growth on the face and/or body). Other manifestations include glucose intolerance, elevated cholesterol and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. This condition can increase a woman's risk for diabetes, heart disease, uterine cancer and infertility.