PCOS Awareness Month: Half of UK women can’t identify the main symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects up to 13% of women and can lead to cancer and infertility, but two-thirds of women are unable to identify symptoms like weight gain and hair growth

September is PCOS Awareness Month and new research has revealed that more than half of UK women can’t identify the main symptoms, despite the condition potentially leading to cancer and infertility.

The survey, conducted by Livi, the digital healthcare provider, asked 1,000 women about the most common signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

The complex disorder causes elevated levels of sex hormones and affects 8-13% of women and people with uteruses globally. In the long term, it can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and uterine cancer.

The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods, long gaps between periods, or no periods

• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest and abdomen

• Weight gain

• Acne

However, the majority of women don’t recognise these as potential symptoms of PCOS.

When asked to identify the signs, almost half failed to select irregular periods (47%) and around two-thirds didn’t pick excessive hair growth (63%) and weight gain (67%).

Acne is the least well-known PCOS symptom, with four out of five (80%) UK women not acknowledging it as a possible red flag.

Millennials (25-34-year-olds) are the least likely age group to know what to look for, despite most PCOS diagnoses happening when women are in their 20s or 30s.

The PCOS symptoms that people are least aware of are:

1) Acne – 80% (didn’t identify as a symptom)

2) No periods – 77%

3) Long gaps between periods – 70%

4) Weight gain – 67%

5) Excessive hair growth – 63%

Two in five (40%) people selected at least one incorrect symptom. Nausea (16%), increased sweating (15%) and insomnia (14%) are the most likely signs to be mistakenly identified as PCOS.

Many women discover they have PCOS when they see a GP about possible fertility issues. Dr Elisabeth Rosen, Lead GP at Livi and a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics, explains the link:

“As PCOS is a condition that causes problems with the release of eggs from the ovaries, it can make getting pregnant more difficult. Polycystic ovaries contain fluid-filled cysts known as follicles, in which eggs develop but usually never mature enough to ovulate. This affects the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular bleeding and problems ovulating.”

If you’re concerned about symptoms, Dr Rosen advises speaking to a doctor and says you can help speed up a diagnosis by keeping track of symptoms and your menstrual cycle.

“Keep track of your symptoms and menstrual cycle to help you spot patterns. You can use a cycle tracker app or a physical diary. A doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and experiences and then refer you for a blood test to check your hormone levels. They will also request an ultrasound to check for signs that your ovaries are polycystic.”

For more information about PCOS, including further advice on getting diagnosed, visit: https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/severe-period-pain-endometriosis-or-pcos-how-can-you-tell-the-difference/