A woman with polycystic ovary disease has an abnormally large number of cysts on the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovary. They occur normally in all women prior to menopause.

Polycystic ovarian disease causes irregular or absent menstrual periods, and may cause infertility. The illness may also lead to high blood sugar and excessive hair growth. About 6 out of 100 women have polycystic ovary disease.