Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone conditions today - impacting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. But here’s the problem: it’s still under-diagnosed, under-treated, and often misunderstood. Many women go years without answers, told their symptoms are “normal” or brushed off entirely.
At BOND, we believe knowledge is power. We’ve pulled together a straightforward checklist of signs and symptoms linked to PCOS, so you can feel more confident in knowing when it’s time to check in with your practitioner.
What PCOS Really Is
PCOS isn’t just about irregular cycles. It’s a condition that shows up in the way your ovaries and hormones communicate with the rest of your body, from your metabolism to your mood. Many women with PCOS experience higher levels of androgens (like testosterone), insulin resistance, and disrupted ovulation.
The tricky part? Symptoms don’t look the same for everyone. That’s why this checklist is so important.
PCOS Symptom Checklist
While every woman’s experience is unique, here are some of the most common signs tied to PCOS:
1. Menstrual Cycle Changes
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Irregular, missed, or very heavy cycles
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Spotting between periods
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Unpredictable timing month to month
2. Skin + Hair Shifts
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Deep, stubborn acne (especially along the chin and jawline)
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Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or stomach
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Thinning or shedding hair at the scalp
3. Metabolic Clues
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Weight gain that feels hard to lose
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Midday crashes or strong sugar cravings
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Dark patches of skin around the neck, armpits, or groin (a sign of insulin resistance)
4. Fertility + Ovulation Changes
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Irregular ovulation or cycles without ovulation
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Difficulty conceiving
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History of early miscarriage
5. Mood + Energy Fluctuations
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Ongoing fatigue or “brain fog”
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Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood
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Sleep disturbances
Why PCOS Often Gets Missed
Because PCOS looks different for every woman, it’s easy to miss or misdiagnose. Research shows up to 70% of women with PCOS go undiagnosed. Some only struggle with irregular periods, while others notice skin or hair changes first. The earlier you recognize the signs, the sooner you can seek the right support.
When to Reach Out
If you’ve checked off several of the above symptoms, it’s worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. They may recommend blood work or an ultrasound to look deeper at hormone health. Remember: having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have PCOS, but bringing them up ensures you get the care and clarity you deserve.
The Takeaway
PCOS affects millions of women, but it doesn’t have to leave you in the dark. This checklist is a first step: awareness that leads to advocacy. If these symptoms resonate with you, consider this your reminder to start the conversation with your practitioner.
Because the more we talk about PCOS, the more women can get the answers (and support) they deserve.
References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Facts
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What are common symptoms of PCOS?
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International PCOS Guideline, Monash University (2018). Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS
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Azziz R, et al. (2016). “Polycystic ovary syndrome.” Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2:16057.
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Teede HJ, et al. (2010). “The burden of PCOS: a major health issue.” Human Reproduction, 25(7): 1616–1621.