If you suspect you may have polycystic ovaries for any reason, it is important to investigate. The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 70% of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cases are undiagnosed and calls it a leading cause of infertility.

There are a number of common symptoms of PCOS, including:

irregular or absent periods (these can be hard to identify if you’re on the pill, so always mention contraceptive use to your doctor).
difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or no ovulation)
excessive hair growth (hirsutism)—usually on the face, chest, back, or backside
weight gain
thinning hair and hair loss from the head
oily skin or acne

Try to keep a diary of any changes that you think could be related to PCOS. It is an excellent idea to note any physical, emotional, or mental health changes generally, but it's especially vital to record them when you ask a doctor about PCOS. This is for two reasons:

Some PCOS symptoms can be mistaken for other things when reported in isolation, especially if you already have a condition that shares this symptom.
A doctor will need two of three indicators—known as the Rotterdam Criteria—to diagnose PCOS, and having the clearest possible picture of what’s happening with your health can help them. They will usually ask for a blood test to check your hormones and rule out diabetes or high cholesterol.

What are the Rotterdam Criteria?

A diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made if other rare causes of the same symptoms have been ruled out and you meet at least two of the following three criteria:

If you have irregular or infrequent periods, this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs.
Blood tests show you have high levels of male hormones like testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of this excess, even if your test is normal).
Ultrasound scans show you have polycystic ovaries.

How prevalent is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women, according to the WHO. The NHS says about one in 10 women have it and that more than half of these women do not have any symptoms.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause is unknown. Most cases of PCOS are thought to be genetically acquired, although specific genes associated with the condition have not yet been identified. If you suspect you have it, it is worth looking at your family history. Given the number of PCOS cases believed to be undiagnosed and the stigma traditionally attached to reproductive issues, your female relatives may not share information. The conversation could begin with you.

PCOS has also been associated with a wide variety of lifestyle factors and experiences, including sugar consumption, obesity, smoking, and physical and emotional abuse.

Will PCOS make me infertile?

The prevalence of infertility in women with PCOS varies between 70 and 80%. However, it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS. Women with PCOS can and do get pregnant and have healthy pregnancies—sometimes naturally, sometimes with assistance.

Is PCOS curable?

PCOS is a chronic condition and is considered incurable, though lifestyle changes and prescribed pharmacological support can improve the symptoms. Medical intervention can also help with PCOS-related infertility.

Can PCOS go away by itself?

This will not happen, and it’s important for your quality of life to stay proactive about managing your symptoms. Your future self will thank you for being stubborn about researching every option that supports this and asking lots of questions right away.

It’s a good idea for any woman to find a gynaecologist she likes and nurture that relationship (you will still need them later in life), especially for women with PCOS.

Even after menopause, they often continue to have high levels of androgens as well as insulin resistance. This means that the health risks associated with PCOS are lifelong.

Will I be able to live a normal life with PCOS?

Absolutely! There are many dietary, medication, and other changes that allow them to live full and happy lives. The positive lifestyle changes you make to improve your PCOS can also influence your vulnerability to a number of other conditions, including heart disease.

What happens right after I’m diagnosed with PCOS?

This depends on where you are in the world and the treatment options available. If you are in the UK, you may be seen by your GP or referred to a gynaecologist to work on a PCOS treatment plan. Depending on your case and location, you may also be advised to see a specialist in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or an infertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist).

Clomiphene (also known as Clomid or Serophene) may be the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are having trouble getting pregnant. Clomiphene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation). If this drug is unsuccessful in encouraging ovulation, another medicine called metformin may be recommended.

Depending on factors like your age and weight, you may be offered annual checks of your blood pressure and screening for diabetes if you're diagnosed with PCOS.

I’m Struggling to Conceive. Could I Have PCOS?

Unii looks at Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a leading cause of infertility.