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There is no known way to prevent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers are still working to understand the underlying causes. However, there are steps you can take to prevent some of the worst consequences of the disorder--diabetes, uterine cancer, high blood pressure and high levels of blood lipids (a risk factor for heart disease).

If you do not menstruate, inducing menstruation should be a top priority. During menstruation, the endometrial lining is shed in response to withdrawal of the progestogen hormone. Without this shedding, your risk of uterine cancer rises significantly. Birth control pills, which combine estrogen and progestin, can restore regular periods. If you don't want to take a daily medication, a course of progesterone, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate, micronized progesterone or norethindrone acetate, taken for seven to 14 days every one to two months, may help.

If you are overweight, losing weight is a big step toward lowering your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Losing weight can help restore regular periods and improve other hormonal imbalances, but weight loss is often an incomplete solution to PCOS.