Will My Monthly Cycle Go Back to Normal With PCOS Treatment?

I have not had my period in over a year and my doctor said I have polycystic ovary syndrome. Will I get a regular cycle after I've been treated?
– Elaina*

Yes, your cycle should go back to normal with treatment.

Teen girls get irregular periods for many different reasons, including health conditions — like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — that cause changes in hormones. When a girl has PCOS, her ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of hormones called androgens. These androgens can interfere with the egg development and release that are part of a girl's normal menstrual cycle.

There are several ways to treat PCOS. If a girl is overweight, weight loss can sometimes get hormone levels back to normal. Doctors also might prescribe medicines to lower androgen levels.

How PCOS is treated all depends on the girl and her unique body chemistry. Sometimes doctors may try different treatments before landing on the right one. So work with your doctor and go to all follow-up appointments. That way, your doc will be up to date about how you're feeling, how well a medicine is working, and what your cycle is doing.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.