In one sentence
PCOS, the polyzystische Ovarialsyndrom, is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of childbearing age, affecting roughly 1 in 10. Typical signs are irregular periods, raised male hormones and many small follicles on ultrasound.
PCOS stands for polyzystisches Ovarialsyndrom, and it is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of childbearing age. Roughly 1 in 10 women are affected, and many of them do not know they have it.
Doctors look for three typical signs:
- Periods that come rarely, irregularly or not at all.
- Signs of raised male hormones, either measured in the blood or visible as acne, increased body hair or hair loss on the head.
- Many small follicles on the ovaries in an ultrasound, which are the cysts that give the syndrome its name.
When two of the three signs are present and other causes have been ruled out, the diagnosis is usually made.
Blood values matter here, because hormone values help show the pattern, and PCOS is often linked with how the body handles insulin, so sugar and metabolism values are usually checked too. That link also explains why weight, energy and skin often change together with the cycle.
PCOS is a condition to manage rather than a verdict, and treatment depends on what bothers you most and on whether children are planned, so the right first step is a gynaecologist. In this glossary, Nüchternblutabnahme explains why sugar values need a fasting draw, while Wechseljahre covers the other big hormonal transition.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat or rule out any condition. Discuss your own results with a clinician who knows your history.
