Common Signs and Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

1. Irregular or absent periods

PCOS often causes changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular or absent periods.

However, it's important to note that irregular or missing periods don't always mean you have PCOS, and may be due to other conditions like thyroid disease.

2. Difficulty losing weight or weight gain

Many women with PCOS struggle with weight management. In fact, around 38–88% with PCOS are overweight or obese [1], which can be challenging for women both physically and emotionally.

PCOS itself can make it more difficult to lose weight, and being overweight can worsen PCOS symptoms as well as increase the risk of other health problems.

However, both lifestyle changes and a PCOS-friendly diet can help you maintain a healthy weight.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of women with PCOS [2].

As well as feeling tired during the day, fatigue might also lead to:

Fatigue may be due to a hormone imbalance or sleep disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Women with PCOS are twice as likely to develop OSA than women without the condition [3]

4. Hirsutism and hair loss

PCOS can cause excessive hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), as well as thinning hair on the scalp. These symptoms are caused by high levels of male hormones in the body.

Excess hair growth can occur on the:

5. Acne or oily skin

Raised androgen levels can also cause acne and oily skin.

Oily skin can affect the:

Having oily skin can cause acne, both of which can be distressing to live with. But the good news is, a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary improvements, supplements, and medication can help

6. Insulin resistance

As many as 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance [4].

Insulin resistance means that the cells in the body are resistant to the effects of insulin. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone and can also lead to weight gain, which can make symptoms worse.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to manage insulin resistance. Medications, such as metformin, are also sometimes helpful.

7. Fertility problems

Doctors sometimes prescribe women with heavy or irregular periods contraception to help manage their symptoms [5]. These menstrual symptoms may be due to undiagnosed PCOS. As such, many women only discover they have PCOS when they stop using birth control and want to have children.

If you are not ovulating regularly due to PCOS, then it will take you longer to conceive. If you are not ovulating at all, it will not be possible to become pregnant without treatment.

Lifestyle changes and medications can help you ovulate more regularly and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

8. Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is when dark velvety patches of skin show up on your neck, groin, or under your arm. It's more common in people with darker skin

Acanthosis nigricans can help identify whether someone with PCOS has an increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus [6]. Acanthosis nigricans may be due to an increased BMI and irregular insulin levels.

Treatment for acanthosis nigricans is through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to balance your hormones and insulin levels.

9. Mood changes, low self-esteem, and mental health issues

PCOS symptoms can affect your mood and self-confidence. This is especially true if you have noticeable signs such as weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. PCOS can also lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

It can be a debilitating condition, both physically and emotionally. If your mood is affected, it's important to talk to your doctor.

10. Ovarian "cysts"

Despite the name, women with PCOS don't have cysts on the ovaries. Instead, most women have fluid-filled sacs called follicles that surround the eggs. These follicles are harmless and can be anywhere up to 8mm (approximately 0.3 inches) in size [7]. These are usually picked up on an ultrasound scan.

In PCOS, these follicles may be unable to release an egg which can affect fertility.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of PCOS, we recommend speaking to a doctor. You may consult with our doctors online. Get started

You can also start your investigation with blood tests. The tests below help to find out whether PCOS is likely, alongside your symptoms.

Tests to consider:

You can book these tests through our website. Book tests