What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Patient's question:

Can you tell me about the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome? Can women who are unmarried get this disease?

Doctor's answer:

1. Abnormal menstruation
Irregular menstruation, oligomenorrhea, or amenorrhea, with some cases presenting as functional uterine bleeding. This condition often occurs during puberty, manifesting as irregular menstruation after menarche.
2. Hirsutism
Relatively common, with an incidence rate as high as 69%. Due to elevated androgen levels, coarse and increased vellus hair growth can be observed on the upper lip, chin, chest, back, midline of the abdomen, upper outer thighs, and perianal area. However, the degree of hirsutism does not always correlate with androgen levels. It may also be accompanied by acne, excessive facial sebum production, low-pitched voice, clitoromegaly, and the development of a Adam's apple, among other masculinization signs.
3. Infertility
Due to prolonged anovulation, many patients experience infertility, with occasional ovulation or miscarriage occurring in some cases, reaching an incidence rate of up to 74%.
4. Obesity
Weight exceeding 20% above normal, with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 affecting 30%–60% of individuals. Obesity is often concentrated in the upper body, with a waist-to-hip ratio >0.85. It typically begins during puberty and gradually worsens with age.