PCOS

What does PCOS mean?

PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (the NHS now also uses the newer name PMOS): a common hormone condition that can cause irregular periods, excess hair and acne.

How it is used in the Splash library

• You will still see “PCOS” everywhere, so we use both.

  From “PCOS (now PMOS): the friendly guide”

• There is no cure for PMOS (PCOS), but there is a lot you can do about each part of it.

  From “PCOS treatments: what the 2023 guideline says”

• PCOS (PMOS)

  From “Missing periods (amenorrhoea)”

• Higher-than-usual levels, such as in PCOS (which the NHS now also calls PMOS), can show up as acne, extra hair growth or irregular periods.

  From “Meet your hormones”

• Conditions such as PCOS (now also called PMOS) or thyroid problems.

  From “Irregular cycles: what is going on?”

PCOS explained

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It is thought to affect around 1 in 10 people with ovaries. Despite the name, it is not about cysts: the "cysts" are follicles that did not mature and release an egg.

In adults it is usually identified when someone has two of three features: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of higher androgens (such as excess hair growth, acne or raised testosterone on a blood test), and polycystic-looking ovaries on an ultrasound, once other causes are ruled out (International PCOS guideline, 2023).

What's typical

Common signs are irregular or infrequent periods, difficulty getting pregnant, extra hair on the face or body, thinning scalp hair, oily skin or acne, and weight gain.

PCOS is linked with insulin resistance, which raises the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Symptoms often improve with lifestyle changes, the combined pill, metformin or other treatments, depending on what matters most to you.

In teenagers, irregular cycles are common for the first few years, so PCOS is usually not confirmed until cycles have had time to settle.

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

• Your periods are irregular or have stopped, or your cycles are often longer than 35 days.
• You have noticeable new hair growth, severe acne or hair thinning.
• You are trying to get pregnant and are not having regular periods. A GP can arrange blood tests and, if needed, a scan.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.