Primary Ovarian Failure (POF): POF is associated with an elevated FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) level. Symptoms include hot flushes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, or a loss of periods entirely in women less than 40 years of age. There are four sub-types of POF:

• An autoimmune ovarian failure, in which a patient's own antibodies "burn out" the eggs and ovaries.
• If a woman has mumps as an adolescent (after age 10), many of her eggs may "burn out," which oftentimes results in POF.
• POF due to abnormality of FSH hormone receptors.
• Idiopathic, meaning a specific cause cannot be found.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is also a cause of menstrual irregularities, obesity and infertility. However, hypothyroidism, often called underactive thyroid, is a hormonal disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
• It can cause a number of other symptoms, such as tiredness and poor ability to tolerate cold.

Hyperprolactinemia

• Hyperprolactinemia, i.e. elevated levels of a hormone called prolactin in the blood, may lead to infrequent or absent menses.
• Features of increased male hormones may also be present. However, a symptom called galactorrhea, which is spontaneous flow of breast milk is present in hyperprolactinemia. Headache may also be present.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Cushing's syndrome describes the signs and symptoms caused due to prolonged exposure to very high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can be caused by intake of steroid medicines, or diseases that result in excess cortisol.
• Both PCOS and Cushing's syndrome have symptoms of weight gain, unwanted abnormal hair growth, acne, and irregular periods.
• However, Cushing's syndrome usually includes symptoms such as easy bruising, sleep disturbances,decreased sexual desire, a buffalo hump , and stretch marks, which are not present in PCOS.