[PCOS-71] PCOS Iceberg

Acne

Weight gain

What people see

Thinning hair

Excess hair growth on the face, body, or scalp

Fatigue

Irregular periods

Anxiety or depression

Polycystic ovaries

What people don’t see

Sleep issues

Infertility

High androgen levels

Joint pain

Headaches

Sleep issues

Trouble sleeping, poor sleep quality, or sleep disorders like sleep apnea are more common in people with PCOS.

Anxiety or depression

Living with PCOS can affect your mood, increasing the risk of stress, low mood, or anxiety.

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Fatigue

PCOS may cause ongoing tiredness, making it difficult to feel rested even after a full night’s sleep.

Infertility

Difficulty with ovulation can make it harder to get pregnant, though many people with PCOS can still conceive with support.

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Excess hair growth on the face, body, or scalp

PCOS can cause thicker, darker hair to grow in places like the chin, chest, or stomach, while sometimes leading to unwanted scalp hair growth patterns.

Irregular periods

Periods may come less often, more often, or not at all, making cycles unpredictable and sometimes heavy.

Joint pain

Some people experience achy or stiff joints, often linked to weight changes or inflammation.

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Weight gain

Many people with PCOS find it easy to gain weight and harder to lose it, especially around the belly.

Thinning hair

Hormone imbalances can cause hair on the scalp to thin or shed.

High androgen levels

Elevated androgen hormones can lead to symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, or thinning hair on the scalp.

Headaches

Hormonal shifts can trigger frequent or severe headaches for some with PCOS.

Acne

Hormonal changes from PCOS can lead to frequent breakouts, often on the face, chest, or back, that may be difficult to treat.

Polycystic ovaries

The ovaries may be enlarged and contain many small follicles (called “cysts”), which can affect hormone balance and ovulation.