Written by P. Deepika, Content Writer, Healthcare Industry.

Medically reviewed by: Dr. P. Priyanka, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Kanaga Hospital   |   Last updated: 12 November 2026

If your periods keep running late, or vanish for months, you may have been told it is “just stress”. Maybe you have also noticed acne that will not clear, extra hair on your chin, or weight that refuses to move however hard you try. These can be signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. Around 1 in 10 women worldwide live with it.

It is commonly understood as largely a fertility issue, but in reality, PCOS is a complex condition that affects the hormonal and metabolic processes. As a result, the condition remains significantly underdiagnosed and the concerns of many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed.

This guide explains PCOS symptoms and treatment in plain language: what causes it, what the first signs look like, whether it can be cured, and when it is time to see a gynaecologist. Knowing this early lets you take the right step for your health, sooner. If something here sounds familiar, our gynaecology team at Kanaga Hospital is happy to help.

What is PCOS (and why is it now called PMOS)?

In May 2026, an international expert group led by Monash University published a consensus in The Lancet renaming PCOS as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The old name suggested that the problem is “cysts” in the ovaries. In reality, the small fluid-filled sacs seen on ultrasound are immature follicles, and the condition involves several hormones and the body’s metabolism. The name has changed, but the diagnosis, risk factors and treatment have not. Because most people (and most doctors) still say PCOS, we use PCOS in this article and mention PMOS where it matters.

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition. While all people have both male and female hormones, an imbalance in either causes problems. In PCOS/PMOS, one of its core features is the ovaries producing higher than normal levels of androgens (the male sex hormone) that disrupt the normal reproductive hormones in your body.

As PCOS/PMOS is a complex condition that presents differently in each woman, the Rotterdam criteria describe four distinct phenotypes:

Phenotype	Features present	What it means in everyday terms
A – Classic PCOS	High androgens + irregular ovulation + polycystic ovaries on ultrasound	The most common type, affecting 5–20% of reproductive-age women worldwide. Often has the highest androgen levels and the most pronounced insulin resistance.
B – Without cysts	High androgens + irregular ovulation; ovaries look normal	Hormonal disruption is just as significant, with similar long-term health risks to Phenotype A.
C – Ovulatory PCOS	High androgens + polycystic ovaries; ovulation still occurs	Cycles are often normal, but acne, excess hair and hair loss can be just as pronounced.
D – Non-hyperandrogenic	Irregular ovulation + polycystic ovaries; normal male-hormone levels	Usually the mildest form, but ovulation problems and metabolic concerns can still occur.

What Causes PCOS?

Doctors do not know the exact cause of PCOS. It appears to develop from a mix of genes, hormones and insulin resistance, and everyday factors such as weight and lifestyle can make it better or worse. These are the main pieces of the puzzle:

1. Hormonal imbalance: Many women with PCOS/PMOS have raised LH (Luteinizing Hormone) compared with FSH (Follicle-stimulating Hormone). This disturbs the normal development and release of eggs, so follicles stay small and collect in the ovaries. Raised LH and androgen levels are checked with blood tests.
2. Insulin resistance: In PCOS/PMOS, your body may not respond well to insulin. Blood sugar levels go up, and the body then makes more insulin to try and bring them down. A rise in insulin makes your ovaries produce more male hormones (androgens). In turn, this makes menstruation even more irregular and can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. High levels of androgens: With PCOS/PMOS, your body may make too much of the androgen hormones. Androgens prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles. They also cause male-pattern hair growth and acne.
4. Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS/PMOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation more often. It is closely linked with insulin resistance and excess weight, and it can add to fatigue, skin problems and other metabolic issues.
5. Genetics: Some research shows that certain genes might be linked to PCOS/PMOS. Women with a family history of PCOS/PMOS, diabetes or irregular periods are more likely to develop the condition.

Is PCOS genetic?

Partly, yes. If your mother, sister or another close female relative has PCOS, your chance of having it is higher. But there is no single “PCOS gene”. Many genes are involved, and lifestyle and environment influence whether and how strongly it shows up. So you can have PCOS even if nobody in your family does, and having a relative with it does not mean you will definitely get it.

What Are the First Signs of PCOS?

PCOS rarely announces itself loudly. It often starts with small changes that are easy to brush off. The earliest signs women usually notice are:

• Periods that are late, far apart (more than 35 days), or missing for months.
• Acne on the face, chest or upper back that continues beyond the teenage years or does not respond to usual treatment.
• Thicker, darker hair on the chin, upper lip, chest or belly.
• Hair thinning at the crown or widening of the parting.
• Weight gain around the waist, or difficulty losing weight.
• Dark, velvety patches on the neck or underarms.

For teenagers: irregular cycles are common in the first couple of years after a girl’s first period, so doctors look at the pattern over time. If cycles are still very irregular, or acne and hair growth are marked, it is worth a check-up. If you notice two or more of these signs together, do not wait for “one more cycle”. A simple consultation can clear things up.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS symptoms look different from woman to woman. For some they begin with the very first period; for others they appear years later. Some women have severe symptoms and others only mild ones, and not everyone has every symptom. The most common ones are:

1. Irregular periods: This is one of the most common PCOS symptoms, where your periods become less predictable. It can show up as:

• Infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea) – fewer than nine periods in a year, or cycles longer than 35 days. A typical cycle lasts 21–35 days with bleeding for 2–7 days.
• Absent periods (amenorrhea) – missing periods for 3 months or more (if you are usually regular) or more than 6 months (if you are usually irregular).
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding (menorrhagia) – when cycles are irregular, the uterine lining builds up for a long time. When it finally sheds, the bleeding is heavy and lasts longer. Even women with regular cycles and PCOS can have heavy bleeding because high androgens or a high oestrogen-to-progesterone ratio thicken the lining.

2. Abnormal hair growth and/or hair loss: High androgen levels cause hair to grow where men typically grow it, such as the face, chest and back. This is called hirsutism. In some women, excess androgens instead cause thinning at the scalp (male-pattern hair loss).
3. Acne and oily skin: Higher androgen levels increase sebum (oil) production, which traps bacteria in the pores. This leads to acne on the face, chest and upper back that may continue well past the teenage years and can be hard to treat. A dermatologist can treat the skin side of PCOS while your gynaecologist treats the hormones. See our Dermatology department.
4. Change in weight: You may notice unexpected weight gain, especially around the waist, or difficulty losing weight. This is often linked to insulin resistance. However, not every woman with PCOS gains weight. Women with “lean PCOS” are often overlooked, misdiagnosed or diagnosed late.
5. Darkening of the skin: Patches of dark, velvety skin may appear in body folds such as the neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts. This is called acanthosis nigricans and is a sign of insulin resistance. It is also an early warning sign for diabetes, so it is worth a blood sugar check. Read more in our guide to early signs and symptoms of diabetes.
6. Mood changes: Without ovulation there is less calming progesterone. Add high cortisol and ongoing inflammation, and anxiety, low mood or mood swings become more likely in women with PCOS.
7. Large ovaries with many small follicles: An ultrasound can show ovaries that look larger or contain many immature follicles (egg sacs). These are not harmful “cysts”, and not every woman with PCOS has this finding.
8. Skin tags: These are harmless, small, flesh-coloured growths that hang from thin stalks, usually in the armpits, neck and groin. High insulin levels encourage skin-cell growth, which is why skin tags are linked to insulin resistance.

Quick guide: which symptom, which specialist?

If you notice…	It may point to…	Start with…
Irregular, missed or very heavy periods	Ovulation problems, thickened uterine lining	Gynaecologist
Persistent acne, excess hair, hair thinning	High androgens	Gynaecologist, then Dermatologist for skin care
Dark neck or underarm patches, skin tags, weight around the waist	Insulin resistance	Gynaecologist or Diabetologist (blood sugar and insulin check)
Trying to conceive for 12 months (6 if 35+)	Ovulation problems or other causes	Gynaecologist

Risk Factors

Some factors can trigger PCOS/PMOS or make its symptoms worse. The main ones are:

1. Family history of PCOS – If your mother, sister or another close female relative has PCOS, you are at higher risk of developing it too.
2. Being overweight or having obesity – Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, worsens insulin resistance and disrupts ovulation.
3. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – Chemicals found in some plastics, pesticides and cosmetics may disturb hormone balance. Research on this is still evolving.
4. Sedentary lifestyle – Long periods of inactivity can lead to weight gain, which worsens an already unbalanced hormonal state.
5. Unhealthy diet – Large amounts of refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and processed food can worsen insulin resistance.
6. Developmental factors – Low birth weight, rapid weight gain in infancy, early pubic hair and early puberty, and childhood obesity can raise the risk later in life.

PCOS can also develop in women with none of these risk factors, and it shows up differently in each person. That is why spotting it early matters.

Is PCOS Dangerous? Complications to Know About

PCOS is not immediately life-threatening, but it is not only a reproductive issue either. If it is left unmanaged, it can lead to metabolic, heart, mental-health and pregnancy-related complications. Knowing these risks helps you and your doctor manage PCOS proactively, and this is exactly why a diagnosis is worth getting.

1. Metabolic and hormonal complications

• Type 2 diabetes – PCOS/PMOS is linked to insulin resistance, which raises blood sugar and the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our Internal Medicine & Diabetology team can help with screening and prevention.
• Obesity – Hormonal imbalance can make weight hard to manage, and extra weight in turn worsens PCOS symptoms and raises the risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD, now also called MASLD) – Fat build-up in the liver occurs more often in women with PCOS.
• Thyroid problems – PCOS does not cause thyroid disease, but the two conditions often occur together, so doctors commonly check thyroid function. Read about thyroid problems in women.
• Bone health – Research is mixed. Very long gaps without periods can lower oestrogen, which may affect bone strength, so mention long gaps to your doctor.
• Sleep apnoea – Breathing pauses during sleep are more common in PCOS, linked to insulin resistance and excess weight.

2. Heart and circulation

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – This means the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. Many people do not know they have it. Studies show women with PCOS are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women without PCOS.
• Heart attack and stroke – Women with PCOS have a higher long-term risk of heart attack and stroke than women without it. The exact increase differs between studies, which is why regular BP, sugar and cholesterol checks matter. Know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest in our heart attack vs cardiac arrest guide, and see our Cardiology department for heart screening.
• Atherosclerosis – Plaque (fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances) can build up in the arteries. PCOS/PMOS can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels: higher triglycerides, higher LDL and lower HDL.

3. Mental health

• Anxiety and depression – Hormonal changes, together with the stress of fertility concerns and unpredictable symptoms, raise the risk.
• Body image issues – Weight gain and excess hair can hurt self-esteem and, in some women, contribute to body-image distress and eating disorders. You are not alone, and asking for emotional support is part of treatment.

4. Pregnancy and reproductive complications

• Infertility – Irregular or absent ovulation can make conceiving harder. Many women only find out they have PCOS when trying to conceive. The encouraging part: most women with PCOS can get pregnant, sometimes naturally and sometimes with treatment.
• Risk of endometrial cancer – With irregular periods, the uterine lining is exposed to oestrogen without enough progesterone and can become too thick, which raises cancer risk. This is why doctors treat long gaps between periods rather than ignoring them.
• Gestational diabetes – Insulin resistance raises the risk, so glucose is monitored closely in pregnancy.
• Miscarriage – Pregnancy loss may be more frequent in early pregnancy with PCOS/PMOS.
• Preeclampsia – A dangerous condition marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can affect multiple organs.
• Preterm birth and C-section – Delivery before 37 weeks and C-sections are more common in PCOS pregnancies.

When to See a Gynaecologist for PCOS

To protect your long-term health, do not wait for symptoms to get worse. Book a visit with a gynaecologist if any of these apply and have lasted more than a few weeks:

• Your periods have been irregular, infrequent or absent for three months or more
• You have new or increasing facial and body hair, or acne that will not settle
• Your scalp hair is thinning, and it is new or getting worse
• You have significant, unexplained weight changes, especially around the waist, despite eating well and staying active
• You have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you are 35 or older)
• You have dark, velvety patches of skin on your neck or underarms

Get urgent same-day care if you have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad every hour, sudden severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen, dizziness or fainting. Our 24-hour emergency care team is available at any time.

Worried about your symptoms? Talk to our gynaecology team. Book an appointment or call +91 9500135319.

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

Because PCOS looks different in every woman, a diagnosis made with care leads to better treatment. Before you see a gynaecologist, it helps to keep track of:

• Dates and duration of your periods
• Recent symptoms (a note on your phone is enough)
• Family history of PCOS, diabetes, thyroid problems or irregular periods
• Any medicines and supplements you take
• Past reports and scans

This helps your gynaecologist see patterns and decide the best way forward.

Most doctors follow the 2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline. First, other conditions that can look similar (such as thyroid or adrenal disorders) are ruled out. For adults, your doctor will usually:

• Discuss your symptoms and review your family’s medical history
• Check your weight and blood pressure
• Do a physical exam for facial hair, acne, skin tags and dark patches
• Do a pelvic exam to rule out other causes of abnormal bleeding
• Order blood tests for hormone and glucose levels. At Kanaga Hospital, these can be done at our 24-hour laboratory.
• Perform a pelvic ultrasound to check the ovaries and uterine lining. We offer ultrasonography on call.

Once other causes are excluded, a doctor may diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of these three features:

1. Irregular or absent ovulation, usually shown by irregular periods.
2. Signs of high androgens, either on blood tests or as acne, excess hair growth or hair thinning.
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Good to know: in adults, an AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) blood test can sometimes be used instead of an ultrasound to show the ovarian feature. For teenagers, an ultrasound is not used for diagnosis within eight years of periods starting, so both irregular cycles and signs of high androgens are needed.

Questions worth asking your doctor

• Which type (phenotype) of PCOS do I seem to have?
• Do I need tests for blood sugar, cholesterol or thyroid?
• Which treatment fits my goals, whether that is regular periods, clearer skin or pregnancy?
• How often should I come back for follow-up?

PCOS Treatment

There is no single PCOS treatment that suits everyone. Your doctor will build a plan around your symptoms, medical history, other health conditions and whether you want to become pregnant, now or later.

If you do not want to become pregnant

• Hormonal birth control – Pills, patches or vaginal rings can regulate your cycle and protect the uterine lining. Some also help acne and excess hair.
• Metformin – A diabetes medicine that helps your body use insulin, which can help regulate cycles. It can cause stomach upset at first, so it is usually started at a low dose.
• Anti-androgen medicines – These block the effect of androgens to help acne and hair growth. They are not safe in pregnancy, so effective contraception is needed while taking them.
• Skin and hair care – Medicated acne treatment, and cosmetic options such as laser hair removal, can be added alongside hormonal treatment.

If you want to become pregnant now or in future

Before conception:

• Letrozole or Clomiphene – Oral medicines that help the ovaries release a mature egg. Letrozole is now commonly the first choice.
• Gonadotrophin injections – Used if oral medicines do not work; needs careful monitoring to avoid multiple pregnancy.
• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – An option when medicines do not help with ovulation.

During pregnancy:

• Antenatal glucose monitoring – To detect and manage gestational diabetes early.
• Blood pressure management – To reduce preeclampsia risk; antihypertensives are used where clinically indicated.

Can PCOS Be Cured Permanently?

This is one of the most searched questions about PCOS, and it deserves an honest answer. There is no one-time or permanent cure for PCOS. It is a long-term hormonal and metabolic condition. Anyone promising a “permanent cure” with a single herb, juice or supplement is not giving you reliable information.

What is realistic is control. With the right plan, many women get regular periods, clearer skin, less unwanted hair, healthier blood sugar and successful pregnancies. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% in women who carry excess weight can help restore ovulation. Think of PCOS like blood pressure or diabetes: it can be managed so well that it stops running your life, but it needs ongoing attention and regular check-ups.

Everyday Management of PCOS

Medicines work best when daily habits support them. These lifestyle steps make a real difference:

1. Eat nutritious, balanced meals: Fibre-rich foods (vegetables, whole grains, legumes), lean proteins and healthy fats improve insulin sensitivity. Cut back on refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and processed items to avoid sharp sugar spikes. In an Indian kitchen, that can mean more dal, sprouts, millets, vegetables and curd, and less maida, sweets, sugary drinks and packaged snacks. Avoid crash diets; they usually backfire.
2. Move regularly: If you carry excess weight, losing 5–10% of it can help restore ovulation. Walking, swimming or cycling also improve insulin sensitivity, ease stress and balance hormones. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, and add strength exercises. Our physiotherapy team can help you start safely if you are new to exercise.
3. Manage stress and sleep: Stress alone does not cause PCOS, but it can worsen symptoms and disrupt cycles. Try journaling, deep breathing or meditation, and aim for 7–9 hours of good sleep.
4. Look after your mental health: PCOS can bring anxiety, low mood and body-image worries. Be open with your doctor, consider counselling, and join a support group if it helps.

Managing PCOS can feel like a lot, but a steady, whole-person approach eases symptoms and protects your long-term health.

Can PCOS Be Prevented?

Because genes and hormones play a big part, PCOS cannot be fully prevented. But you can lower its impact and prevent many of its complications:

• Keep a healthy weight and stay active from childhood and teenage years.
• Eat a balanced, low-sugar, high-fibre diet and limit ultra-processed food.
• If PCOS runs in your family, or a girl has early puberty or very irregular cycles, arrange an early check-up.
• Go for regular health checks (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol) so problems are caught early.

PCOS Care at Kanaga Hospital, Chennai

At Kanaga Hospital in Kovur, near Porur, PCOS care is not limited to one department. Our gynaecology and obstetrics team (including Dr. M. Sowmiya and Dr. P. Priyanka) assess your hormones and periods. Blood tests and scans are available in-house, and you can be referred within the hospital to diabetology for insulin resistance or to dermatology for acne and hair concerns. Our pharmacy is open 24 hours. You can also browse our full specialist team.

Conclusion

PCOS/PMOS is a complex condition, and good care looks after your body, your emotions and your long-term health together. The earlier you recognise the signs and speak to a doctor, the easier it is to manage. If you recognise yourself in this article, you do not have to work it out alone. Our team at Kanaga Hospital will listen, run the right tests and build a plan that fits your life.

Book your PCOS consultation at Kanaga Hospital

7-131, Kundrathur Main Rd, Kovur, Mangadu, Chennai 600128   |   Call: +91 9500135319   |   WhatsApp: +91 9566256975   |   Book an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the first signs of PCOS?

The earliest signs are usually irregular or missed periods, acne that persists beyond the teenage years, extra hair on the face or body, thinning scalp hair, weight gain around the waist and dark skin patches on the neck or underarms. If you notice two or more together, see a gynaecologist.

2. What causes PCOS?

The exact cause is unknown. It is linked to a mix of hormonal imbalance (especially high androgens), insulin resistance, genetics and low-grade inflammation, with lifestyle and environment influencing how severe it becomes.

3. Is PCOS curable?

No, there is no permanent cure for PCOS/PMOS. However, symptoms can be managed and reduced very effectively with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.

4. How to cure PCOS permanently?

There is no permanent cure, so be cautious of products or “detox” plans that claim one. The best results come from a doctor-guided plan: a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management where needed, and medicines matched to your goals.

5. Is PCOS dangerous?

PCOS is not immediately life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can cause long-term metabolic, mental-health, heart and reproductive complications, so early diagnosis and follow-up matter.

6. Is PCOS genetic?

Yes, genetics play a role. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you are more likely to develop it. Lifestyle and environment also matter, and PCOS can occur without a family history.

7. How to prevent PCOS?

PCOS cannot be completely prevented because it is driven by genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. But a healthy weight, regular activity, a balanced diet and early check-ups can reduce its severity and help prevent complications.

8. Is PMOS the same as PCOS?

Yes. PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new name for PCOS, announced in 2026. The condition, its diagnosis and its treatment remain the same.

9. Can women with PCOS/PMOS get pregnant naturally?

Yes, many can, especially with milder hormonal imbalance or after healthy weight loss. If you have not conceived after 12 months of trying (6 months if you are 35 or older), consult a gynaecologist.

10. Does PCOS/PMOS go away with pregnancy?

No. It is a lifelong hormonal condition, though symptoms can change over time. Ongoing gynaecological follow-up after delivery and lifestyle management are important.

11. Will PCOS symptoms go away after menopause?

Irregular periods settle as menopause nears, but the underlying hormonal imbalance does not disappear. PCOS-related health risks such as diabetes, stroke and heart attack can increase with age.

12. Which doctor should I see for PCOS?

Start with a gynaecologist. Depending on your symptoms, you may also be referred to a diabetologist (insulin resistance) or a dermatologist (acne, hair growth or hair loss).

13. How is PCOS diagnosed?

After other conditions are ruled out, PCOS may be diagnosed if you have at least two of these three: irregular or absent ovulation; signs of high androgens (blood tests, acne, hair growth or hair thinning); polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.