Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
A common hormone condition that can cause irregular periods, extra hair and difficulty getting pregnant.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- Talk to a health worker if your periods are irregular or absent, or if you have trouble getting pregnant.
Key things to remember
- About 1 in 10 women have PCOS — most don't know it.
- Irregular periods and extra hair are common signs.
- Treatment and healthy habits help, even without a cure.
📖 Read the full lesson
PCOS is a common hormone condition, affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Up to 70% of women with PCOS do not know they have it.
Signs can include irregular, absent or sometimes heavy periods; difficulty getting pregnant; extra hair on the face or body; thinning hair on the head; and acne or oily skin. It is a leading cause of infertility.
PCOS can raise the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and problems in pregnancy. It can also affect self-esteem and mood.
There is no cure, but treatment can help with periods, skin and hair, and fertility, and can lower long-term health risks. Healthy eating and physical activity help all women with PCOS, even without weight loss.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Polycystic ovary syndrome (fact sheet) 22 Jan 2026 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-023 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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