Menstrual Irregularities
This imbalance of hormone production from both the ovaries and pituitary may result in either irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all (known as “anovulation”). Menstrual periods may therefore become irregular – perhaps heavier than usual, perhaps occurring after long gaps (oligomenorrhoea) or perhaps not at all (amenorrhoea).
Fertility
Because ovulation is irregular and therefore less frequent, pregnancy is more difficult to achieve; As ovulation is closing related to regular periods, women with PCOS will have a better chance to get pregnant once their monthly cycles have returned to normal.
Miscarriage
While miscarriage seems an unfortunate chance event for most couples, it is now known that women with PCOS who have high circulating levels of LH may be at greater risk. The explanation is probably that too high a level of LH in the bloodstream makes it more difficult for the egg to develop within the follicle, and for an embryo to implant within the uterus.
Hirsuitism & Acne
One of the hormones which may be released in unusually high amounts from the ovary is testosterone, the “male” sex hormone which circulates in both men and women. Excessive testosterone levels in women may be a cause of acne on the face and back, or unwanted hair on the face, chest, arms and legs. The levels of testosterone in women with PCOS are still much lower than found in men.