What are the signs of PCOS?
PCOS shows up as a classic trio of signs. The first is irregular or missing periods. The second is signs of excess androgens, such as stubborn acne, facial hair growth or scalp thinning. The third is polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. Two of the three make the diagnosis once other causes are excluded.
Weight gain around the middle, dark velvety skin patches, and difficulty conceiving often travel with it. Plenty of women with PCOS are lean, which delays their diagnosis.
It matters beyond periods: PCOS raises long-term diabetes and heart risk, so naming it early means protecting more than fertility.
Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, PCOS symptoms
See a doctor promptly if
- No period for three months or more, when you are not pregnant and not on a method that stops bleeding
- Bleeding between periods, after sex, or any bleeding after the menopause
- Rapidly worsening hair growth, a deepening voice, or clitoral enlargement over months rather than years. This needs urgent assessment
- Very heavy bleeding after a long gap, with dizziness, breathlessness or a racing heart
- Excessive thirst, passing large amounts of urine, blurred vision or unintended weight loss
- Low mood that stops you functioning, or any thoughts of harming yourself
Try the cycle tracker30 seconds, free, nothing to installCycle day, the next one and the fertile window, kept on your own device.
When a second opinion is worth asking forWhat to bring, what it costs, and the situations where doctors expect to be asked
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
For muscle aches and period pain
Heat works for cramps and sore muscles, without side effects. An electric pad beats a hot water bottle for steady, safe temperature.
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