What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where an imbalance in hormones causes many changes in the body. 

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.

About 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth have PCOS.

Symptoms vary, but usually include:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Abnormal hair growth
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Acne
• Trouble getting pregnant
• Weight gain, especially in belly
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy bleeding

How PCOS affects your body

PCOS is a multi-organ disease that can affect your endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular systems.

• Ovaries
  • Extra follicles, abnormal periods

• Uterus
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Risk of uterine cancer
• Adrenal glands
  • Higher testosterone levels 
• Pituitary gland
  • Acne and hair growth
• Pancreas
  • Insulin resistance
• Liver
  • Excess fat cells
• Cardiovascular
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Increased risk of heart disease

• Abdomen
  • Fat accumulation

PCOS and other health conditions

Imbalanced hormones and weight gain caused by PCOS can lead to other health complications, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Weight gain
• Mood disorders (anxiety/depression)

Fact: Up to 65% of women with PCOS experience excess weight gain. 

Mission-readiness and PCOS

PCOS puts you at risk for health conditions that can affect military height/weight standards and mission-readiness.

• Stress can affect mental health and overall well-being
• Pelvic pain can interfere with performance
• Unusual periods and heavy bleeding can soil uniforms
• Insulin resistance and abdominal weight gain
  • Can make it hard to meet standards for weight, interfering with promotions, reenlistment or professional development opportunities
  • Can worsen disordered eating, which is common in the military

Up to 8% of women in the military are diagnosed with an eating disorder in comparison to 5% in civilian women. 

Can people with PCOS stay in the military? 

There are currently no relaxed weight standards for women diagnosed with PCOS. But a diagnosis is not an automatic discharge from the military. You may need a waiver for medication to balance hormones, but you can continue your career and be mobilized or deployed.

Talk to your medical provider for advice about continuing your job after a PCOS diagnosis.

This educational resource was created with support from Sumitomo Pharma.