Does polycystic ovary syndrome cause cancer?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 29, 2025
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a group of endocrine disorder diseases characterized by extended menstrual cycles and anovulation as the main clinical manifestations. Due to increased levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body, the menstrual cycle is prolonged and the endometrium relatively thickens. PCOS generally does not cause cancer, but the long-term increase in testosterone during the perimenopausal period can cause abnormal proliferation of the endometrial lining, which might lead to endometrial cancer. Therefore, if the menstrual cycle is delayed for more than two months, it is recommended to use medication to promote the shedding of the endometrial lining, to prevent endometrial thickening and pathological changes.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome cure itself?

Strictly speaking, polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic disease, just like hypertension, which does not have concepts of being cured or healing naturally. It's just that symptoms vary from person to person, and the degree of impact differs. For example, some people have ovulation disorders, often characterized by sparse menstruation or amenorrhea; some have high androgen levels in the blood, often characterized by excessive hair growth and acne; others may have metabolic abnormalities, commonly manifesting as obesity. If patients adjust their lifestyles well, the long-term impact can be relatively minor, but this should not be considered self-healing.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Is the chance of getting pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome high?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifests as absent or irregular menstrual periods, and is also associated with obesity, hirsutism, insulin metabolism disorders, as well as elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind the development of PCOS is unclear but may be related to genetic factors, diet, and lack of exercise. Due to the irregular menstrual cycles, which stem from anovulation (lack of ovulation), the likelihood of pregnancy decreases. It is challenging to calculate the specific probability of pregnancy, but overall, the chances of becoming pregnant with PCOS are very low, although there is still a possibility. Treatment for PCOS generally starts with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding staying up late and refraining from eating sweets. Weight management is also crucial; weight gain is recommended for those who are underweight, whereas weight loss is advised for those who are overweight, along with appropriate exercise.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder, characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, scanty or irregular menstrual bleeding, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. PCOS is considered a difficult-to-treat gynecological disease, with a high likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo relevant medical examinations at a hospital. The diagnosis of PCOS generally involves a combination of ultrasound imaging and a six-item hormone test, which can confirm whether one has the condition. If diagnosed with PCOS, active treatment is necessary, as it is one of the more challenging gynecological endocrine disorders to manage.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is mainly treated symptomatically, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgical treatment. Medication involves regulating menstrual cycles, reducing blood androgen levels, improving insulin resistance, and inducing ovulation; the main surgical treatment currently used is laparoscopic ovarian drilling.