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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can affect menstruation, ovulation, fertility, skin and hair. It is also associated with longer-term metabolic health concerns, making early recognition and appropriate medical care important.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS affects an estimated 10–13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, while as many as 70% of affected women may not know they have the condition. World Health Organization
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder associated with higher-than-normal androgen levels and disturbances in ovulation. These hormonal changes can result in irregular or absent menstrual periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, acne and increased facial or body hair.
Despite its name, having ovarian cysts is not essential for a diagnosis of PCOS. Some people with PCOS do not have polycystic-appearing ovaries on an ultrasound. World Health Organization
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood. However, the WHO notes that genetic factors may contribute to the condition, and having a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes can increase risk. World Health Organization
Common Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS does not affect everyone in the same way. Symptoms can vary between individuals and may also change over time.
Common features include:
- Irregular, infrequent or absent menstrual periods
- Difficulty conceiving because of irregular ovulation
- Excess facial or body hair
- Acne or oily skin
- Thinning of scalp hair or female-pattern hair loss
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
Some people may have only a few symptoms, while others experience several at the same time. This variation can sometimes make PCOS difficult to recognize. World Health Organization
PCOS and Fertility
PCOS is an important cause of infertility because hormonal changes can interfere with regular ovulation. The WHO identifies PCOS as the most common cause of anovulation globally and a leading cause of infertility. World Health Organization
However, having PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, fertility management may include lifestyle measures, medicines that stimulate ovulation, surgery in selected cases, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). World Health Organization+1
People with PCOS who become pregnant may require additional monitoring because the condition is associated with an increased risk of certain pregnancy complications.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that confirms PCOS in every person. Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, medical history and examination findings while excluding other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
According to the WHO, PCOS can be diagnosed when at least two of three features are present, after other possible causes have been excluded:
- Signs of increased androgen activity, such as excessive facial or body hair, hair loss or acne, or an elevated testosterone level.
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
- Polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound.
Blood tests may be used to assess hormone levels and determine whether ovulation is occurring normally. Following diagnosis, additional assessment may also be recommended to evaluate metabolic and cardiovascular risk. World Health Organization
Because menstrual irregularity can occur normally during certain stages of life, particularly around the beginning of menstruation, healthcare professionals consider age and individual circumstances when making a diagnosis.
PCOS and Long-Term Health
PCOS is more than a reproductive health condition. The WHO describes it as a chronic metabolic condition that can persist beyond the reproductive years. People with PCOS have an increased risk of several longer-term health problems.
These include:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep apnoea
- Abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, known as endometrial hyperplasia
Irregular or infrequent menstruation may increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and, in some circumstances, endometrial cancer. World Health Organization
PCOS can also affect emotional well-being and quality of life. Difficulties with fertility, unwanted hair growth, acne and weight-related concerns may contribute to anxiety, depression, body-image concerns and social stigma. World Health Organization
Treatment and Management of PCOS
There is currently no cure for PCOS, but its symptoms and associated health risks can be managed.
Treatment depends on an individual’s symptoms, reproductive goals and overall health. Management may include:
Healthy Lifestyle Measures
Regular physical activity and healthy eating are important components of PCOS care. The WHO emphasizes that healthy lifestyle behaviours are beneficial for people with PCOS, even when they do not result in weight loss. World Health Organization
Managing Menstrual Symptoms
Healthcare professionals may recommend hormonal treatments, including combined oral contraceptive pills, to help regulate menstrual cycles. These medicines may also improve acne and excessive facial or body hair in some individuals. World Health Organization
Managing Excess Hair and Acne
Depending on the individual, treatments that reduce androgen effects may be considered for unwanted hair growth or acne. Treatment should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional because medication choices depend on personal circumstances and reproductive plans.
Supporting Fertility
For people who wish to become pregnant, treatment can focus on restoring or stimulating ovulation. Fertility medicines, other medical interventions and assisted reproductive technologies may be considered depending on the cause and severity of infertility. World Health Organization+1
When Should You See a Doctor?
Persistent menstrual irregularity, unexplained difficulty becoming pregnant, significant acne, increased facial or body hair, or noticeable hair thinning should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Early assessment can help identify PCOS and other possible causes of these symptoms. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate metabolic health and address potential long-term complications.
Importantly, symptoms should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of being a woman or as a consequence of weight. PCOS can occur in people with different body types, and diagnosis requires proper medical assessment.
Living Well With PCOS
A diagnosis of PCOS can initially feel overwhelming, particularly when it affects menstruation, fertility or appearance. However, PCOS is manageable, and treatment can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Regular medical follow-up, appropriate physical activity, balanced nutrition and treatment of specific symptoms can help protect long-term health. People experiencing fertility difficulties can also seek professional fertility care rather than assuming that PCOS makes pregnancy impossible.
Conclusion
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, fertility, skin and hair. It is also associated with an increased risk of conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Recognizing the symptoms and obtaining an appropriate diagnosis can make it easier to manage PCOS and reduce its potential long-term effects. Although there is currently no cure, a combination of lifestyle measures, medicines and fertility treatments can help many people manage their symptoms and reproductive goals.
If you suspect that you have PCOS, speak with a qualified healthcare professional for an individualized assessment rather than relying on symptoms alone.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Polycystic ovary syndrome. 22 January 2026. World Health Organization
- World Health Organization (WHO). Guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility. 28 November 2025. World Health Organization
- World Health Organization (WHO). Infertility. 28 November 2025. World Health Organization
