Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is common – around 1 in 10 people with ovaries have it.

We’re not sure exactly what causes PCOS, but it might run in families. 

When you have PCOS you have higher levels of androgens (male sex hormones like testosterone) and insulin, and you ovulate less regularly. This is what causes PCOS symptoms, like irregular periods, weight gain, and lots of facial and body hair. 

When you have PCOS, your body produces higher levels of some hormones (androgens and insulin) than normal. This causes some people to experience symptoms – but everyone is different, and some people have mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Some people don't realise they have PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant. 

Symptoms include:

• irregular or infrequent periods, no periods, or very heavy periods
• trouble becoming hapū
• lots of facial and body hair
• lots of acne (often on your chest or back)
• hair loss or thinning (on your head)
• being overweight, quickly putting on weight, or having difficulty losing weight
• anxiety
• depression

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can affect your health in the long term. It can lead to pregnancy complications and increase your chance of developing other health conditions. This includes:

• trouble getting pregnant (infertility)
• gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• miscarriage, premature birth, or need for a caesarean section (C-section)
• smaller babies
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• sleep apnoea (breathing issues while you’re sleeping)
• depression
• anxiety
• eating disorders
• endometrial cancer 

One of the best ways to regulate your hormones and manage your PCOS symptoms is by using hormonal contraception, like the pill. If you want to avoid pregnancy, this is a good option. There are also other medicines that can help.

If you want to get pregnant, PCOS can be discouraging. You might have a harder time since you don't ovulate regularly. It's important to remember that plenty of people with PCOS do have healthy pregnancies. It’s best to talk to your doctor about your goals and come up with a plan together. 

We diagnose and treat lots of gynaecological and period problems at our clinics.

We can help by figuring out whether you have PCOS or another medical condition. A good first step is to make an appointment with one of our nurse practitioners or doctors, or to see your GP. They can talk with you about your problem, arrange testing, offer solutions, provide treatment, and prescribe medicine. If you want to use contraception, we can help you find a type that works for you.