What Is PCOS? Understanding the Basics

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet it remains widely misunderstood and frequently undiagnosed.

In simple terms, PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect how the ovaries function. Women with PCOS may have irregular periods, experience difficulties with ovulation, and show signs of excess androgen (male hormone) levels—such as acne or unwanted hair growth. Despite its name, not all women with PCOS have "cysts" on their ovaries.

Why PCOS Is Important to Understand

PCOS is about far more than periods and fertility. It's a whole-body condition that can have ripple effects across many areas of health. It’s linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased risks for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. It can also impact mental well-being, with many women experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem as part of their journey.

Despite how common it is, PCOS often goes unrecognised. In fact, up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed. This is partly because the symptoms vary so much from person to person, and because there’s no single test that gives a clear diagnosis.

Who Is Affected by PCOS?

It’s estimated that PCOS affects between 6% and 13% of women of reproductive age, making it a leading cause of ovulation issues and infertility worldwide. The exact cause isn’t fully understood yet, but we do know that a combination of hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and genetic factors contribute to its development.

PCOS doesn’t discriminate—women of all sizes and backgrounds can be affected. You don’t have to be overweight, and you don’t need to have obvious cysts on your ovaries to be diagnosed.

A Snapshot of Common Symptoms

Every woman’s experience with PCOS is different, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Acne or oily skin

• Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism)

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Fatigue and mood swings

• Difficulty conceiving

  
  

We’ll dive deeper into the full range of symptoms in an upcoming post, as many are easy to overlook or dismiss.

Coming up next →

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore the underlying causes of PCOS, from hormone imbalances to