Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- About
- Symptoms
- Treatments
- University support
Fact check
The information provided on this website has been written to the best of our knowledge using trusted resources. The University of Manchester recognises that it is important to share accurate, up-to-date information about these conditions and treatments. If you are an expert in this area and notice any inaccuracies, please contact brooke.foulger@manchester.ac.uk so that we can update this webpage.
About PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex hormonal disorder. It is characterised by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which can lead to a range of symptoms - one of which may be the presence of polycystic ovaries.
With PCOS, many small sacs of fluid develop along the outer edge of the ovary. These are called cysts. The small fluid-filled cysts contain immature eggs. These are called follicles. The follicles fail to regularly release eggs.
Normally an egg is released once a month and this is called ovulation. However, being diagnosed with PCOS can have an impact on this and cause irregular ovulation, or no ovulation at all, meaning irregular, infrequent or absent periods are common symptoms of PCOS.
PCOS can also affect your metabolism (the chemical reactions in the body's cells that change food into energy). This makes it easier to gain weight and more difficult to lose weight.
1 in 10 of people assigned female at birth are diagnosed with PCOS and 1 in 5 are diagnosed within ethnic minority groups, making it a very common health condition.
This video from NHS Inform explains what PCOS is, what the symptoms are and how it can be treated.
Find out more
Information and support from Verity, a charity for those with PCOS.
Videos and guides from charity PCOS Relief.
Symptoms
PCOS symptoms usually start around puberty, but can begin as late as your early 20s.
It is important to know that not everyone with PCOS will have all the symptoms. They can vary in pain from mild to severe.
Symptoms may include:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or no ovulation)
- Having more hair than usual, often on your top lip, chin, around your nipples, and in a line down from your tummy button
- Thinning hair and losing hair on your head
- Patches of dark thick skin in your armpit or around your groin or neck
- Weight gain
- Oily skin or acne
- Pelvic and back pain
PCOS is also linked with anxiety, depression, mood swings and low self-esteem.
Find out more
Detailed information from the London Endocrine Centre.
Information on symptoms from PCOS charity Verity.
Treatments
What should you do if you suspect you have PCOS?
Talk to your GP
If you are concerned that you may have PCOS, you should make an appointment with your GP. They will assess your symptoms and medical history, and potentially order tests like blood tests and an ultrasound to help confirm or rule out PCOS.
A diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made if other rare causes of the same symptoms have been ruled out, and you meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:
- you have irregular periods or infrequent periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate);
- blood tests showing you have high levels of 'male hormones', such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal);
- scans showing you have polycystic ovaries.
As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the condition can be confirmed.
If you're diagnosed with PCOS, you may be treated by your GP or referred to a specialist, either a gynaecologist or an endocrinologist (a specialist in treating hormone problems).
Find out more
Information from the NHS about diagnosing PCOS.
Tips on getting ready to speak to a GP from charity Wellbeing of Women.
There is currently no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there are treatments that can help to ease symptoms and, if appropriate for you, prevent complications and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Your GP or specialist will work with you to find the best approach for your needs. A helpful tool to help you ask any questions that you might have regarding your treatment options is It's OK to Ask (NHS Inform).
The aim of PCOS treatment will depend on your situation, and the symptoms you have.
If you want to get pregnant, your treatment will focus on giving you the best chance of having a baby.
If you don’t wish to become pregnant, your treatment will focus on managing your symptoms.
Find out more
Information from the NHS on PCOS treatments.
Information from PCOS charity Verity on treatments.
Information on PCOS symptoms, causes, tests, treatments and more from Patient.info.
University Support
Endometriosis and PCOS Network
The University of Manchester has a staff network to support colleagues with endometriosis and PCOS, and is also open to colleagues with other menstrual conditions such as PMDD.
If you would like to join this network or find out more information, please contact Lauren Bramley or Brooke Foulger
Email: lauren.bramley@manchester.ac.uk Brooke.Foulger@manchester.ac.uk
Useful blog posts
- March was Endometriosis and PCOS Awareness Month! (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion blog)
Sources of information for this page:
Polycystic ovary syndrome - NHS