Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms vary. Some women have many, and some have only one or two.

Menstrual and ovulation changes

• Irregular periods, fewer than 8 a year, or cycles longer than 35 days
• Absent periods
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding at times
• Difficulty getting pregnant because of infrequent ovulation

Signs of high androgens

• Extra hair on the face, chin, chest or belly (hirsutism)
• Acne, often on the jaw and lower face
• Oily skin
• Thinning scalp hair (male-pattern)

Metabolic signs

• Weight gain, especially around the waist
• Dark, velvety patches on the neck, armpits or groin (acanthosis nigricans)
• Skin tags
• Tiredness and cravings, with signs of insulin resistance

Other effects

• Mood changes, anxiety and low mood
• Poor sleep and sleep apnoea
• Body image concerns

Polycystic ovaries on scan

Many follicles on the ovaries may be seen, but the "cysts" are small unreleased follicles, not harmful cysts. Some women with PCOS do not have them, and some women without PCOS do.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe delayed or scanty periods (Artava-kshaya), weight gain and oily skin as Kapha-Medo features. This is an interpretive description.

See a doctor if periods are missing for 3 months, you have sudden severe hair growth or voice change, or you are trying to conceive.

When to get help

See a gynaecologist or endocrinologist if your periods are very irregular or absent, you have rapid hair growth or hair loss, you have been trying to conceive for 6 to 12 months, or you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as thirst and frequent urination.

Remember

PCOS is more than a period problem. Care covers skin, weight, mood and long-term health.