What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a endocrine condition that affects 1 in every 10 women in the UK, but it can be a reality for people of all gender identities including some trans men and non-binary people.
PCOS affects how the ovaries work. Despite its name, it does not involve cysts on the ovaries, but rather follicles. Normally, ovulation occurs once a month, releasing an egg, but PCOS can disrupt this process, leading to irregular or no ovulation.
PCOS also impacts metabolism—the process your body uses to convert food into energy—making weight gain easier and weight loss more difficult.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is a condition you are born with, but symptoms typically appear during puberty, although they can develop later, even into the early twenties.
NHS Inform state that PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, with the most common including:
- Irregular periods – you should have at least 3 or 4 periods a year to keep the womb healthy if you’re not using hormonal contraception
- Excess facial or body hair which is caused by slightly higher levels of ‘male’ hormones in your body (androgen)
Other symptoms can include:
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Oily skin or acne
- Difficulty or delays getting pregnant
These symptoms may be PCOS, but could also be a number of other health conditions, so it is important to talk to your GP if you are experiencing any of these.
PCOS can also impact mental health, with many individuals experiencing depression or emotional challenges related to the condition.
PCOS also increases the risk of developing other health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
If you are looking for ways to help improve your symptoms, NHS Inform have a list of different ways to improve your health through a healthy diet and exercise.
How to get support
- Make an appointment with your GP. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to track your symptoms and period dates using a diary or an app. Bring these notes to your appointment and this will give your doctor more of an insight.
- If you need more information to get a better understanding of PCOS, you can use the PCOS Mythbusting resource pack from The Heath and Social Care Alliance Scotland (The Alliance) here.
- PCOS can also have a big emotional impact on you. Here is a list of organisations you can reach out to for mental health support.
In Season 2 of our This is How AyeFeel Podcast, we chatted to Evie Morrison about her experience of PCOS. You might recognise Evie from her appearance on Series Two of the Traitors. Watch below to hear her story: