What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and androgen activity. Periods may be widely spaced, unpredictable or absent, and some people have heavy bleeding when a period arrives. Excess facial or body hair, acne and thinning hair at the scalp can reflect increased androgen effects. Anovulation may make pregnancy harder, although PCOS does not mean pregnancy is impossible.

Symptoms vary: someone may have cycle changes without noticeable hair or skin changes, while another person may seek help for excess facial hair or fertility concerns. Diagnosis uses your history, examination and selected tests; an ultrasound finding alone does not establish PCOS.

Book an appointment if periods are persistently irregular, facial hair or acne is changing, or pregnancy is taking longer than expected. Bring a record of cycles, bleeding, medicines and symptoms. A clinician may review blood pressure, hormone results and metabolic health. Treatment is tailored to whether your priority is cycle control, hair or skin symptoms, or pregnancy; options can include metformin for PCOS, ovulation induction or fertility care.

Seek prompt assessment for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, very heavy bleeding, or rapid new changes in hair, voice or muscle. These are not typical reasons to wait for a routine PCOS review and may indicate another condition.

Ask which features support PCOS, what other causes should be excluded, how to protect the womb lining when periods are infrequent, and which treatment matches your pregnancy plans.