Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect periods, ovulation, fertility, skin, hair growth, weight regulation and long-term health. While there is currently no cure, many people with PCOS successfully manage their symptoms through lifestyle support, medical care and personalised treatment strategies.
Key Takeaways
- PCOS affects approximately 1 in 8 people assigned female at birth of reproductive age.
- Symptoms can include irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, scalp hair thinning and difficulty conceiving.
- PCOS is not just a reproductive condition. It can also affect metabolic, cardiovascular and mental health.
- Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, hormone levels and other assessments.
- Early diagnosis and support can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
- Treatment is highly individual and may include lifestyle changes, medication and symptom-specific support.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting reproductive-aged women and people assigned female at birth.
Despite its name, PCOS is about much more than the ovaries. Researchers and clinicians now recognise that it affects multiple systems throughout the body, including hormone regulation, metabolism, cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing. Recent international expert recommendations have placed greater emphasis on these broader impacts.
In 2026 an international panel of experts recommended changing the name of PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the condition's complexity and reduce confusion caused by the current name. While PCOS remains the term used by doctors, Medicare and health services across Australia today, the transition to PMOS is expected to occur gradually over the coming years.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood. Researchers believe it develops through a combination of:
- Genetics: PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component.
- Hormonal Imbalances: People with PCOS may have elevated levels of androgens, sometimes incorrectly referred to as "male hormones", although these hormones are naturally present in everyone.
- Insulin Resistance: Many people with PCOS experience insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. This can contribute to increased androgen production and may make symptoms worse. Insulin resistance is now recognised as a key feature for many people with PCOS.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: While lifestyle does not cause PCOS, factors such as sleep, stress, nutrition and physical activity can influence symptom severity.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding — having reliable, high-absorbency menstrual products on hand can reduce the stress of unpredictable flow days
- Difficulty predicting ovulation
- Acne
- Excess facial or body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
- Fertility challenges
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Anxiety or depression
Importantly, not everyone with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms. The condition presents differently across individuals, which is why personalised care matters so much.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose PCOS.
Healthcare professionals typically assess:
- Menstrual cycle patterns
- Signs of elevated androgen levels
- Blood test results
- Ovarian appearance when required
- Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms
The latest international guidelines have simplified aspects of diagnosis and now recognise Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing as an alternative to ultrasound in some adult patients.
Diagnosis in adolescents can be more complex because irregular periods and acne can be common during puberty. If you're unsure, a GP can help determine whether further investigation is needed.
PCOS and Mental Health
Living with unpredictable periods, fertility concerns, body changes and ongoing symptoms can take a significant emotional toll and these feelings are completely valid.
Research shows people with PCOS have higher rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress than the general population. Recent international guidelines recognise mental health as a core part of PCOS care, not an afterthought.
If PCOS is affecting your emotional wellbeing, speaking with a GP, psychologist or other qualified healthcare professional can be an important part of your support plan.
PCOS and Fertility
Many people with PCOS can and do become pregnant.
However, irregular ovulation can make conception more challenging for some individuals.
The good news is that a range of evidence-based treatments are available to support ovulation and fertility when required. Early assessment and personalised care can improve outcomes.
Managing PCOS
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing PCOS.
Treatment may include:
Lifestyle Support
Current guidelines continue to recommend healthy lifestyle approaches that focus on overall wellbeing rather than weight alone. This includes:
- Regular physical activity you genuinely enjoy
- Balanced, nourishing nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
- Reducing weight stigma in healthcare conversations
Experts increasingly recognise that meaningful health improvements can occur even without significant weight loss.
Medical Treatments
Depending on your symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend:
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Medications that improve insulin sensitivity
- Treatments for acne
- Treatments for excess hair growth
- Fertility medications where appropriate
Symptom Management Tools
Many people find it helpful to track their menstrual cycle, symptoms and patterns over time. Period tracking can help identify changes and support more informed conversations with healthcare providers.
For those experiencing heavy or unpredictable periods, having reliable menstrual products available can also make day-to-day life feel more manageable. Explore our range of comfortable, absorbent period products designed to help you feel prepared, whatever your cycle brings.
When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Periods that are consistently irregular
- Periods that stop completely
- Significant acne or excess hair growth
- Difficulty conceiving
- Unexplained weight changes
- Ongoing fatigue
- Symptoms affecting your quality of life or emotional wellbeing
Early assessment can help identify PCOS or other conditions that may benefit from treatment and support.
The Bottom Line
PCOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects far more than periods alone. While symptoms can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming, effective support and treatment options are available.
Understanding your symptoms, seeking evidence-based care and building a personalised management plan can make a significant difference to both short-term wellbeing and long-term health.
If you're living with irregular periods, heavy bleeding or cycle uncertainty, remember that your experiences are valid and support is available — and you don't have to navigate it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have PCOS if you are a healthy weight?
Yes. PCOS can affect people across all body sizes. While weight can influence symptoms for some individuals, PCOS is not exclusively associated with higher body weight.
Do ovarian cysts cause PCOS?
Not necessarily. The name can be misleading. Many people with PCOS do not have ovarian cysts and some people with polycystic-appearing ovaries do not have PCOS.
Can PCOS be cured?
There is currently no cure for PCOS. However, symptoms can often be effectively managed through lifestyle strategies, medical treatment and ongoing support.
Is PCOS linked to other health conditions?
Yes. PCOS is associated with increased risks of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, sleep apnoea and mental health challenges. Regular check-ups with your GP can help monitor and manage these risks over time.
Can I get a PCOS diagnosis through Telehealth in Australia?
Yes. GPs and specialists can begin the assessment process via Telehealth, including discussing your symptoms and ordering blood tests. However, some parts of the diagnostic process, such as ultrasounds, will require an in-person visit.
Is PCOS treatment covered by Medicare in Australia?
Many PCOS-related GP visits, specialist referrals and some medications are subsidised through Medicare. If you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan, you may also be eligible for rebates on allied health services such as dietetics and psychology. Speak with your GP about what's covered under your individual circumstances.
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