If your cycle has become unpredictable, or you’ve noticed changes in your skin or weight, you might be wondering if something more is going on. One condition that often flies under the radar is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s incredibly common, affecting around 1 in 10 people with ovaries in the UK, but it’s also often misunderstood. So, if you’ve got questions, you’re definitely not alone.
So, what exactly is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has cysts on their ovaries. And not everyone with ovarian cysts has PCOS. It’s one of those terms that can be a bit misleading.
People with PCOS may have:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Higher levels of ‘male’ hormones (androgens), which can lead to acne or unwanted hair growth
- Enlarged ovaries that contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs
This cluster of symptoms can vary massively from person to person. Some only notice small changes to their cycle. Others struggle with more visible signs like acne or weight gain, or discover they’re not ovulating when trying for a baby.
Why does PCOS happen?
We still don’t know exactly what causes PCOS, but there seems to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If your mum, sister, or aunt has it, you’re more likely to have it too.
Insulin resistance plays a big role in many cases. This means your body isn’t responding properly to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar. To compensate, it makes more insulin, which can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens (those ‘male’ hormones again). It’s a bit of a domino effect.
Common signs and symptoms
Here are some of the most common things people notice with PCOS:
- Irregular periods: You might have fewer than nine periods a year, or they might stop altogether.
- Acne and oily skin: Hormonal changes can cause breakouts, often around the jawline or chin.
- Hair growth: This can show up in places like the face, chest, or stomach.
- Hair thinning: Some experience hair loss or thinning on the scalp.
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: This is often linked to insulin resistance.
- Fertility challenges: PCOS can affect ovulation, making it harder to conceive naturally.
You don’t need to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS. In fact, doctors usually use something called the Rotterdam criteria—which means having just two out of the following three is enough to make a diagnosis:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Higher levels of androgens (either in blood tests or seen through symptoms like acne or hair growth)
- Polycystic appearance of the ovaries on an ultrasound
Getting a diagnosis
There’s no single test for PCOS, so diagnosis is based on a combination of things:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- An ultrasound scan to look for the appearance of your ovaries
- Your medical history and symptoms
You’ll usually be referred for blood tests and a scan before speaking with a fertility consultant. At Care Fertility, this happens early in the journey—so your doctor can discuss your results and next steps in detail during your consultation.
What PCOS means for fertility
PCOS can make it harder to conceive, mostly because of irregular or absent ovulation. If you’re not releasing eggs regularly, timing intercourse or treatment becomes tricky.
But it’s important to know that having PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Many people with PCOS go on to conceive with the right support - sometimes with lifestyle changes alone, and sometimes with treatment like ovulation induction or IVF.
If you’re trying to conceive and suspect PCOS might be affecting your cycle, we’re here to help. Our fertility tests are the first step. Once they’re complete, you’ll meet with a specialist doctor to talk through your options. We’ll always tailor your treatment plan to your needs and goals.
Managing PCOS
There’s no ‘cure’ for PCOS, but the good news is it can be managed, especially with the right guidance and care. Depending on your symptoms and life stage, your care plan might include:
- Lifestyle changes: Losing even a small amount of weight (5-10%) can help improve hormone balance and restore regular periods.
- Diet and exercise: A balanced diet and regular movement can help reduce insulin resistance.
- Medication: Metformin may be advised if there is evidence of insulin resistance or high sugar levels. Medication such as Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) or Letrozole may be used to make you ovulate (ovulation induction), occasionally IVF may be the more suitable option, and this would be personalised to your specific circumstances and in combination with your partners results (if you have one).
- Supplements: Inositols (e.g. Inofolic Alpha) have been shown to be useful for patients with PCOS and can help regulate periods in some patients using only a simple supplement.
- Support for skin and hair changes: Acne or hair growth can be treated with medication or referrals to dermatology specialists if needed.
The key is to look at PCOS as a whole - not just one symptom in isolation. That’s where working with a team who understand the full picture makes all the difference.
When to seek help
It’s easy to brush off missed periods or blame skin changes on stress or diet. But if something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth getting checked.
You might want to talk to your GP or come straight to us if:
- Your cycle is irregular or has stopped completely
- You’ve been trying to conceive for over six months without success
- You’ve noticed persistent acne, hair growth, or weight changes that concern you
Our team can help you make sense of your symptoms, organise the right tests, and talk you through what’s next. From there, you’ll receive a personalised plan, access to expert care, and ongoing support - through every stage of your fertility journey.
You’re not alone
PCOS can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like your body isn’t doing what it ‘should’. But it’s not your fault, and there is help available.
At Care Fertility, we combine compassion with cutting-edge science to give you answers, clarity, and support. Whether you’re exploring your fertility, trying to conceive, or simply want to understand your body better, we’re here.
