What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic and incurable hormonal disease that affects between 6% and 13% of women of childbearing age. Symptoms of the disease generally begin to appear around the time of puberty, but can also occur later. They vary from person to person, and can include: heavy, long, irregular, unpredictable or non-existent periods; ovulation disorders; excessive hair growth, particularly on the face; weight gain; skin problems; and infertility, which is thought to affect around half of all women suffering from the disease. In addition, people with PCOS are more likely to develop other health problems, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. In some cases, PCOS can be particularly debilitating and seriously impact the quality of life of women suffering of the disease.

Today, the World Health Organisation estimates that 70% of PCOS cases worldwide go undiagnosed.