The main signs of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are irregular or absent periods, signs of excess male hormones such as acne and excess facial or body hair, and difficulty losing weight, often alongside trouble conceiving.
PCOS is a common hormonal condition, usually diagnosed when at least two of three features are present:
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which makes weight gain easier and links PCOS to longer-term risks like type 2 diabetes. Symptoms vary widely: some women have mainly skin and hair signs, others mainly cycle and fertility issues. Because they overlap with other conditions, including thyroid problems, PCOS needs a proper medical diagnosis rather than self-labelling. Insulin resistance is worth singling out, because it sits at the centre of the condition for many women: high insulin pushes the ovaries to make more androgens, which is why improving insulin sensitivity often improves periods, skin and weight together, and why inositol has become a popular support.
PCOS is also a long-term health condition, not just a fertility or skin issue. The insulin resistance behind it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems over time, which is why diagnosis matters even for women not trying to conceive: it opens the door to monitoring and to lifestyle and medical steps that protect health for decades, not only the next cycle.
What to do: if you have irregular periods plus acne, excess hair or trouble with weight, see your GP, since PCOS is diagnosed with a history, blood tests and sometimes a scan. It is very manageable: the cornerstones are managing insulin resistance through diet, movement and sometimes medication, plus targeted treatment for periods, skin, hair or fertility as needed. Earlier diagnosis helps protect long-term health, and our free hormone quiz can help you organise your symptoms first.
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