Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how the ovaries work. It is thought to affect around 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries in the UK. Many do not know they have it.
Symptoms
Symptoms often start in the late teens or early twenties:
- irregular periods, or no periods at all
- difficulty getting pregnant, because eggs are not released regularly
- extra hair on the face, chest, back or bottom (hirsutism)
- thinning hair or hair loss from the head
- oily skin or acne
- weight gain, or finding it hard to lose weight
- low mood or anxiety
Why it happens
The exact cause is not known. It often runs in families. It is linked to higher levels of testosterone and to insulin resistance, where the body does not respond to insulin properly.
Getting diagnosed
PCOS is usually diagnosed if you have 2 of these 3 things:
- irregular or no periods
- signs of higher testosterone, from symptoms or a blood test
- polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan (not used in younger people)
Blood tests also rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems.
Long-term health
PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea and, if you have very few periods, changes to the lining of the womb. Regular checks can pick up problems early.
Read about PCOS treatment.
Common questions
Does PCOS mean I have cysts on my ovaries?
Not exactly. The "cysts" are small, fluid-filled sacs where eggs develop. Many people with PCOS have them, but you can have PCOS without them, and you can have them without PCOS.
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Yes. Many people with PCOS get pregnant, sometimes with help from fertility treatment. PCOS is a common, treatable cause of fertility problems.
Sources we used
- NHS, Polycystic ovary syndrome
- NICE clinical knowledge summary, Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Verity, the PCOS charity
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