PCOS 101: What It Is & How To Manage It

Ever feel like your hormones are on their own unpredictable schedule? You're not just imagining it; something more might be going on. If you've been asking yourself what PCOS is and why it's causing everything from stubborn weight gain to irregular periods, we totally get you. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, yet up to 70% of those affected remain undiagnosed, often struggling silently with its symptoms.

In May 2026, PCOS was officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in a landmark global consensus, reflecting that this is a hormonal and metabolic condition, not just an ovarian one.

In this blog, we'll explore the causes, common PCOS symptoms, potential long-term effects, and available treatment options. Whether you're diagnosed with PCOS or just looking for answers, this guide will help you make sense of what's happening in your body and what you can do about it.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, usually during their reproductive years. It is characterised by irregular periods, elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can lead to symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and fertility difficulties, and it is often linked with insulin resistance and long-term health risks like diabetes and heart disease.

PCOS vs PCOD: Do they mean the same?

For years, you may have heard the term PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) used interchangeably with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). But here's the clarity: PCOD is an outdated term and is no longer used in medical practice.

Today, doctors and researchers recognise PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) as the correct medical term. It includes the same ovarian changes once described as PCOD — multiple immature follicles, enlarged ovaries, and excess androgen production — but the term PCOD was discarded because it focused too narrowly on the ovaries. PCOS recognises both those ovarian features and the wider hormonal and metabolic disturbances that affect the whole body. This broader understanding explains why PCOS is linked not only to irregular periods, acne, and weight changes, but also to infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, metabolic, and hormonal factors plays a role in its development.

• Genetics: PCOS often runs in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Women who have a mother or sister with PCOS are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
• Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS and occurs when the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, which disrupt normal ovulation.
• Hormonal imbalance: Women with PCOS often have higher-than-normal levels of androgens. Excess androgens interfere with the normal growth and release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation.
• Inflammation: Low-grade, chronic inflammation has been observed in many women with PCOS. Inflammatory substances in the body can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening the hormonal imbalance.

Common symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Infrequent, prolonged, or missed periods are often the first sign.
• Excess hair growth: Also known as hirsutism, excess hair typically appears on the face, chest, or back.
• Acne and oily skin: Persistent acne, especially around the jawline, is a common symptom.
• Weight gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight issues, particularly around the abdomen.
• Hair thinning: Scalp hair may become thin or fall out, resembling male-pattern baldness.
• Infertility: PCOS can lead to difficulty conceiving due to irregular or absent ovulation.
• Mood changes: Persistent anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common symptoms.
• PCOS in lean women: PCOS is not limited to women who are overweight. Many women with a normal BMI — often referred to as having “lean PCOS” — still experience metabolic complications, particularly in India.

Effects of PCOS on the body

If left untreated, PCOS can lead to several long-term health complications:

• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance in PCOS increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Heart disease: Women with PCOS have a higher risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.
• Endometrial cancer: Irregular periods can cause the uterine lining to thicken, increasing the risk of complications. Women with PCOS are up to five times more likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to those without the condition.
• Sleep apnoea: Especially in women who are overweight, sleep apnoea causes interrupted breathing during sleep, often leading to daytime tiredness.
• Infertility: Disrupted ovulation can make it significantly harder to conceive naturally.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Instead, diagnosis is typically based on the presence of the following three criteria:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Elevated levels of androgens, either confirmed through a medical test or evident through physical signs such as acne or excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• The presence of polycystic ovaries, which can be identified through a medical examination

Natural remedies for PCOS management

Many women explore natural remedies as part of a holistic approach to managing PCOS. While these methods should not replace medical treatment, they can work well alongside it:

• Dietary adjustments: Incorporating low glycaemic index (GI) foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of vegetables can help regulate insulin levels.
• Regular exercise: Engaging in moderate physical activity such as walking, swimming, or yoga can enhance insulin sensitivity and aid in weight management.
• Stress management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and ensuring adequate sleep can help balance hormones.
• Avoiding coffee: Caffeine can stimulate oestrogen production, which may worsen hormonal imbalances.
• Avoiding junk and oily foods: Consuming fatty or heavily processed foods can contribute to weight gain and intensify the effects of PCOS.

To summarise

With more sedentary lifestyles and less physical activity, PCOS is becoming an increasingly common health concern worldwide. It's important to remember that PCOS symptoms vary from woman to woman, influenced by genetics, body type, and hormone levels. If you're feeling unusually tired, gaining weight unexpectedly, noticing hair thinning, or experiencing irregular periods, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional. A personalised approach is often the most effective way to manage this complex condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function. It often causes irregular periods, excess androgens, and cysts in the ovaries.

2. What causes PCOS?

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's linked to insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and stress.

3. What are the most common symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms may include irregular or missed periods, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), hair thinning, and fertility issues.