What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and how can you tell if you have it?
There is a condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 women in the UK, and more than half of these do not have any symptoms, yet the cause is still unknown. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (or PCOS) often runs in families and is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, but what else is known about this common condition that can affect menstruation cycles and fertility but often goes undetected until a woman is in her 20s or 30s?
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The three main features of the condition are:
- Irregular periods - your ovaries do not regularly release eggs
- Excess androgen - high levels of ‘male’ hormones in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair
- Enlarged ovaries - your ovaries contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs, but despite the name of the condition, these are not actually cysts
Because PCOS can look different in everyone, you might have only one or two of these features. Clinicians diagnose PCOS when at least two are present, usually confirmed with blood tests and an ultrasound scan.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Not all women with PCOS will have all of the symptoms and the severity of each can vary significantly. If you do experience symptoms, they usually become apparent in your late teens or early 20s. The main symptoms are:
- Irregular or no periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Excessive hair growth, usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and hair loss
- Oily skin or acne
Less talked-about symptoms include mood swings, low energy and food cravings linked to fluctuating blood-sugar levels. Many readers tell us these “invisible” signs were what first prompted them to seek help once they learned they could be related to PCOS.
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause is still unknown but it often runs in families and is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin, the hormone that controls your body’s sugar levels. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in the body and produce higher levels to overcome this, contributing to the increased production and activity of hormones such as testosterone.
Being overweight also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
Researchers now believe that genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors work together. This helps explain why two sisters can experience PCOS very differently. Maintaining a balanced weight, prioritising sleep and managing stress can all improve insulin sensitivity and, in turn, hormonal balance.
Is PCOS linked to other health problems?
While this is certainly not the case for everyone, having PCOS can increase your chances of developing other health problems in later life.
For example, women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It can also contribute to the development of sleep apnoea in women who have PCOS and are also overweight.
As women with PCOS either do not ovulate at all or only infrequently, it is the most common but treatable causes of female infertility. In fact, many women do not discover they have the condition until they find they are having difficulty getting pregnant.
Early identification matters. Spotting PCOS in your 20s or 30s means you can put protective habits in place long before problems such as insulin resistance, fatty-liver disease or cardiovascular issues appear.
Can I still get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Yes, with treatment, most women with PCOS are still able to conceive.
There are several different fertility medicines that can be used to stimulate ovulation in women who are suffering from PCOS but want to get pregnant. If these are not successful, your doctor may suggest IVF treatment or a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (OVD), which involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that’s producing androgens, or male hormones.
Lifestyle tweaks come first. Evidence shows that losing just 5–10 % of your body weight (if you are overweight) can restart regular ovulation, making “how to get pregnant with PCOS” a realistic goal without needing IVF. Structured exercise, mindful eating and stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or breathing drills are all low-cost fertility boosters.
Can PCOS be cured?
There is no cure for the condition but the symptoms can be managed using specialist medicines. If you are overweight and are diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, eating a healthy, balanced diet and losing excess weight can help. Even reducing your weight by just 5% can greatly improve your symptoms as well as reducing your risk of developing long-term health problems.
One particularly effective medication is Metformin, which is commonly used to address insulin resistance - a hallmark feature of PCOS. By improving insulin sensitivity, Metformin can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and even support weight management and fertility in some cases. However, it’s most beneficial for those with insulin resistance and should always be prescribed under medical guidance.
Diet remains the cornerstone of long-term control. A low-glycaemic-index (GI) eating pattern - think oats, legumes, quinoa and sweet potato - keeps blood sugar steady and reduces cravings. Omega-3-rich fish, nuts and olive oil help calm inflammation, while high-fibre vegetables aid digestion and hormone clearance. Some women benefit from supplements such as vitamin D or magnesium, but discuss these with your healthcare provider first.
What you eat can make a real difference to your PCOS
Eating processed and heavily preserved foods can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, so aim to eat more whole foods (such as fruits and vegetables) that are free from artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives, and are as close to their natural, unprocessed state as possible. Without having to deal with extra hormones and preservatives from the food you are eating, your endocrine system can better regulate your blood sugar.
Try to consume more unprocessed, high-carb foods such as quinoa, oats, bananas, blueberries and sweet potatoes, as these will improve insulin sensitivity, and olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish and nuts as these all help to fight inflammation.
Iron and magnesium-rich foods are also worth including in your diet to ease PCOS symptoms, as well as high fibre foods to aid digestion. Finally, it is thought that caffeine consumption may be linked to oestrogen changes for some women, so it may be worth cutting down on the coffee and trying a decaf alternative such as herbal tea.
Create a weekly meal plan that pairs smart carbs with protein (for example, chickpea pasta with tuna and roasted peppers) to slow glucose spikes. Batch-cooking and using a slow cooker can make healthy choices easier on busy days.
How can I find out if I have PCOS?
You should always see a medical professional if you suspect you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as they will discuss with you the best ways to manage your symptoms, will discuss any lifestyle changes you need to make and start you on any necessary medicines.
However, if you are not sure that PCOS is what is causing your symptoms and would like to be more informed before making an appointment with your doctor, MyHealthChecked’s PCOS Blood Test measures the levels of key hormones in your blood that may be affected if you have the condition. This simple finger-prick kit checks luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone - all markers your GP will want to see.
Simply take a finger-prick blood sample from the comfort of your own home and send it off to be analysed by medical experts at our specialist UK laboratory. You’ll get clear, detailed results within days, along with tailored, actionable advice on what to do next.
Remember, this kit alone will not give a diagnosis of PCOS, but it may help you identify that you are likely to have the condition. It could be your first step towards taking control and finding the best way to ease your symptoms. You should always seek advice from your doctor before starting any treatment.
In summary
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is common, complex and highly individual. Recognising early warning signs, adopting an anti-inflammatory “PCOS diet”, tackling insulin resistance and understanding your fertility options all play a role in feeling your best. MyHealthChecked’s PCOS Blood Test offers clear insight into your hormone levels before you speak to your GP, helping you get more from every consultation. With the right blend of lifestyle tweaks, medical support and self-care, you can manage PCOS and protect your future health.
References
1. British Dietetic Association. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diet – Food Fact Sheet. London: British Dietetic Association; 2022. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-diet.html
2. Diabetes UK. Insulin resistance. London: Diabetes UK; 2025. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/insulin/resistance
3. GPnotebook. Treatment of insulin resistance. GPnotebook; 2021. Available from: https://gpnotebook.com/pages/gynaecology/management/treatment-of-insulin-resistance
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Metformin for treating polycystic ovary syndrome in women who are not trying to get pregnant. Evidence summary: ESUOM6. London: NICE; 2013. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/esuom6/resources/metformin-for-treating-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-in-women-who-are-not-trying-to-get-pregnant-pdf-17664476101
5. National Health Service (NHS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). London: NHS; 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
6. Whelan C. PCOS diet: foods to eat and avoid. Healthline; 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pcos-diet
7. Watson K. 30 natural ways to help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Healthline; 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/natural-treatment-pcos