Q:   What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
A:   PCOS is a hormonal disorder linked to hyperandrogenism (high levels of androgens such as testosterone). Visible symptoms may include hirsutism (excess body and/or facial hair); irregular or infrequent periods; obesity; acne and/or oily skin (particularly severe acne in teenagers or acne that persists into adulthood); infertility; ovarian cysts; insulin resistance (also called impaired glucose tolerance, a frequent precursor to type II diabetes); hair loss or balding; Acanthosis nigricans (darkening of the skin, usually on the neck; AN is a sign of insulin problems as well); and skin tags, small pieces of excess skin in the armpit or neck area. Women with PCOS may also have, as the name suggests, ovarian cysts.

---