Symptoms
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess facial/body hair
- Difficulty losing weight
- Difficulty conceiving
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
PCOS affects around 1 in 10 UK women — irregular periods, excess hair, acne and weight difficulty. Diagnosis needs proper assessment, not self-labelling.
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Why it happens
Hormonal imbalance with higher androgens and often insulin resistance. Runs in families; not caused by ovarian cysts alone despite the name.
Treatment
Depends on goals: contraception regulates cycles; metformin may help insulin resistance; fertility referral if trying to conceive; weight management where appropriate.
Self-care that helps
Regular exercise, balanced diet with low-GI choices, track cycles, and seek assessment rather than guessing from symptoms alone.
When to get help
No periods for 3+ months, signs of diabetes, or trying to conceive for 12 months (6 if over 36) — GP or specialist review.
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