What it is
It can make it harder to get pregnant and raises the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, the contraceptive pill, medicines for hair growth or acne, and fertility treatment if needed.
Common signs
- Irregular or no periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Extra hair on the face or body
- Thinning hair on the head
- Oily skin or acne
- Weight gain
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about periods and symptoms
- Blood tests for hormones
- An ultrasound scan of the ovaries
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Hormone blood test results
- Ultrasound reports
- Blood sugar and cholesterol results
- Gynaecology or endocrinology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What treatment would help my symptoms?
- How does this affect my fertility?
- How often should I have diabetes checks?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe pelvic pain, especially during fertility treatment: get urgent help, call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.