A period that keeps arriving late. Acne that won’t settle. New facial hair or a widening hair parting. These changes can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know what’s causing them.

PCOS, short for polycystic ovary syndrome, is one possible explanation. It affects hormones and how the body uses energy, and symptoms vary from person to person.

These signs are reasons to ask questions, not a checklist for diagnosing yourself. You don’t need to have all of them, and many have other causes. If PCOS is new to you, start with What Is PCOS? A Beginner’s Guide.

Changes worth noticing

1. Irregular or missed periods

PCOS can interrupt ovulation, which is when an ovary releases an egg. This can make periods unpredictable.

For adults more than three years past their first period, cycles regularly longer than 35 days or fewer than eight periods a year deserve a check-up. A gap of around three months also needs attention. If pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test.

Teenagers need an assessment that considers how recently their periods began, according to the 2023 International PCOS Guideline.

2. Persistent acne

Acne that continues into adulthood or becomes harder to manage can be linked to hormonal changes. Higher levels of hormones called androgens can increase skin oil production.

Jawline acne alone does not mean you have PCOS.

3. More facial or body hair

New or increasing coarse hair on the chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen can be a sign of higher androgen levels. Everyone naturally makes these hormones.

4. Thinning hair on the scalp

A widening parting or thinner hair around the crown can occur with PCOS. Hair loss also has other causes, so it’s worth getting assessed before spending more on products.

Acne, increased facial or body hair, and scalp thinning are recognised PCOS symptoms.

5. Dark, velvety skin patches

Darker, thicker skin around the neck, underarms, or groin may be linked to insulin resistance, where the body responds less well to the hormone that helps control blood sugar.

These patches don’t confirm PCOS. They deserve a medical assessment, and scrubbing won’t remove them.

Other concerns to mention

Weight changes — Some women with PCOS experience weight gain or find weight management difficult. Body size alone cannot tell you whether you have PCOS.

Ongoing tiredness — Fatigue is not a reliable early sign of PCOS on its own. Tell your doctor about persistent tiredness, especially if you snore or wake up feeling unrefreshed.

Anxiety or low mood — These are more common among women with PCOS and deserve care. They are not diagnostic signs, and their causes can be complex.

Difficulty getting pregnant — Irregular ovulation can make conception harder, but having PCOS does not mean you cannot get pregnant. Treatments are available.

When to see a doctor

Book an appointment if your periods remain irregular, you notice new skin or hair changes, or symptoms are affecting everyday life. You don’t need to reach a particular number of symptoms.

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If you’re trying to conceive, seek an assessment after 12 months if you’re under 35, or six months if you’re 35 or older. Seek help sooner if your periods are irregular or absent. Over 40, a more immediate assessment may be appropriate.

What to expect at your appointment

A doctor can review your periods, symptoms, medicines, and family history. They may recommend blood tests to check hormones and rule out other causes. An ultrasound is sometimes useful, but it cannot diagnose PCOS by itself.

Bring any period dates you’ve recorded and note when symptoms started. You can begin tracking today; you don’t need to wait three months before booking.

You don’t have to wait until marriage or pregnancy planning to ask about your periods. If something has changed or is worrying you, that is enough reason to seek advice.

Explore Prayaan’s approach to women’s wellness.

This article is for general education and does not replace personalised medical advice.