PCOS has a range of signs and symptoms. It is important to remember that not everyone who has polycystic ovaries will experience all of these symptoms and speaking to a qualified doctor who will give you a full assessment is the only way to get a definite diagnosis. Each symptom can also vary in severity from mild to severe and PCOS symptoms will look slightly different in everyone.
The most common signs of PCOS are:
Irregular periods or no periods at all - this is a sign of irregular or no ovulation and can therefore lead to difficulties in getting pregnant.
Excessive hair growth (also known as hirsutism) - in particular on the face, chest, back or buttocks. More than 70% of women with PCOS experience excess hair growth
Weight gain - especially around the stomach. Around 80% of women with PCOS find they gain weight which they struggle to lose.
Thinning hair or hair loss from the head - Excess androgen production causes pattern baldness.
Oily skin and acne - Hormonal imbalance can cause the skin to produce more oil than normal which can lead to blocked pores and acne.
In most cases, PCOS develops around the time of a girl’s first period. But it can also develop later in your 20s or 30s. Many women don’t discover they have it until they are having trouble getting pregnant.
Although women with PCOS may have difficulties in getting pregnant, and also have a higher risk of experiencing miscarriage, this is often treatable and your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to help you to conceive. Very few women with PCOS are unable to conceive at all.