Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — which the NHS now calls polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) — is a hormone condition that can affect hair growth, periods, fertility and mood.[1] Symptoms can be mild or severe, or you may have none at all.[1]
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries function. In a typical cycle, your ovaries release an egg each month — a process called ovulation. In PCOS, hormonal disruption interferes with this process, often preventing ovulation from occurring regularly or at all.
The main symptoms the NHS lists include irregular periods, excessive hair growth or hair loss, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, difficulty getting pregnant, depression or anxiety, oily skin and acne, tiredness, and thick, dark patches of skin on the neck or armpits.[1]
PMOS can also increase the risk of other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and womb cancer. The NHS says regular check-ups can help reduce these risks.[1]
PCOS presents differently in different women. The NHS says symptoms can be mild or severe, or you may have none at all.[1]
Irregular periods or long gaps between periods are among the main symptoms the NHS lists.[1] Irregular periods have many possible causes, so it is worth getting them checked rather than assuming a cause.
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or hair loss is another of the main symptoms the NHS lists.[1] It can be emotionally difficult; the NHS says medicines and hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, creams, electrolysis or laser treatment are options.[1]
The NHS lists oily skin and acne among the symptoms of PMOS, and says skin creams or tablets can help.[1]
The NHS lists hair loss as a symptom, as well as excessive hair growth.[1]
The NHS lists weight gain or difficulty losing weight among the main symptoms.[1]
💊 Important: Symptoms vary from person to person, so not everyone will have all of them.[1]
The NHS says the cause of PMOS is unknown, but it may be to do with hormones such as insulin and testosterone not working properly. You may be more likely to have it if a close relative has it or you are from an Asian background.[1]
If a GP thinks you have PMOS, they may arrange tests with a gynaecologist or endocrinologist. The NHS says tests include blood tests to check hormone levels and insulin resistance, and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries, which is only done if you are over 18.[1]
Many PMOS symptoms are common and can have other causes, so having them does not definitely mean you have PMOS, but it is important to get them checked.[1]
PMOS can sometimes cause problems getting pregnant, usually because the ovaries do not release an egg each month.[1]
The NHS says PMOS can sometimes cause problems getting pregnant, usually because the ovaries do not release an egg each month. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help: medicines such as clomifene may be used to improve fertility, and if other treatments have not worked a doctor may suggest a procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling.[1] Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
If you have PMOS and are trying to conceive, talk to your doctor. The NHS says tests and treatment may be arranged with a reproduction or hormone specialist.[1]
For many women with PCOS — particularly those with the "classic" or metabolic PCOS phenotype — insulin resistance is at the heart of the condition. Excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), which disrupts the follicle development and ovulation process.
The NHS says diet and lifestyle changes can help your symptoms, including eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly and trying to lose weight if you are overweight.[1] A doctor or dietitian can advise on an approach that suits you.
Use our free Irregular Period Checker and Ovulation Calculator to understand your cycle better.
Check My Cycle →Because insulin resistance is central to PCOS, dietary and lifestyle changes that improve insulin sensitivity are among the most powerful tools available — often more effective than medication for many women.
The NHS advises exercising regularly if you have PMOS.[1] Ask your doctor what type and amount of activity is right for you.
Looking after sleep and stress is part of general wellbeing, and the NHS suggests trying talking therapy if symptoms are causing depression or anxiety.[1]
For a more detailed, day-by-day approach, see our full PCOS diet plan for weight loss. If you've heard about newer prescription options, we also cover GLP-1 medications and how they're being used for PCOS.
The NHS says PMOS symptoms are sometimes treated with medicines. Which one is right depends on your symptoms and goals, so talk to your doctor.[1]
Living with PCOS can take a real emotional toll. The NHS lists mental health problems such as depression or anxiety among the main symptoms, and says charities such as Verity offer information and support to anyone living with PMOS.[1]
If you're struggling emotionally alongside your physical symptoms, please reach out to a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, has good evidence for PCOS-related anxiety and depression. You don't have to manage this condition alone — and taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your hormones.
There is no cure for PMOS, but the NHS says treatments and lifestyle changes can help your symptoms.[1]
The NHS lists irregular periods, excessive hair growth or hair loss, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, difficulty getting pregnant, depression or anxiety, oily skin and acne, tiredness and dark skin patches. Symptoms can be mild or severe, or absent.[1]
The NHS says the cause is unknown, but it may involve hormones such as insulin and testosterone not working properly, and it can run in families.[1]
No. The NHS says there is no cure, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help your symptoms.[1]
It can. The NHS says PMOS can sometimes cause problems getting pregnant, usually because the ovaries do not release an egg each month, and treatments are available.[1]
A GP may arrange blood tests to check hormone levels and insulin resistance, and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries if you are over 18.[1]
Related reading: Beyond Medication: Why Lifestyle Matters in PCOS — why lifestyle is the foundation of PCOS care.