PCOS is common, commonly missed, and badly named — so let's clear it up.
What it is. Despite the name, PCOS isn't fundamentally about ovarian cysts (the "cysts" are small follicles). It's a condition involving higher androgen levels (hormones like testosterone), irregular or absent ovulation, and often insulin resistance (the body responding less efficiently to insulin). Doctors typically diagnose it when at least two of three features are present: irregular cycles, signs of high androgens, and the characteristic ovary appearance on a scan — after ruling out other causes.
The signs to recognise:
Why it matters beyond periods. Because insulin resistance is often involved, PCOS is linked to a higher long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and heart issues — which is exactly why managing it pays off for the whole body, not just the cycle.
The foundations of management:
The reassuring truth. PCOS is a spectrum, it's manageable, and small consistent changes often improve symptoms meaningfully. If the signs above sound familiar, it's worth asking your doctor — getting a name for it is often the first relief.
Can you have PCOS without cysts?
Yes — the name is misleading. Diagnosis is based on irregular ovulation, signs of high androgens, and/or ovary appearance, not cysts alone.
Does PCOS go away at menopause?
Periods stop, but PCOS-related metabolic features can persist, so the healthy-lifestyle foundations remain important throughout life.
Keep reading: Estrogen dominance, explained · Should you get your hormones tested? · Take the free Hormone Quiz