The first signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) commonly include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods : This is often the earliest and most noticeable symptom, with periods being infrequent, very light, heavy, or completely absent due to disrupted ovulation
- Excess body hair (hirsutism) : Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, or other areas typically more common in males, caused by high androgen levels
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight : Especially around the abdomen, which is linked to insulin resistance often seen in PCOS
- Acne and oily skin : Persistent acne or oily skin that may not respond well to usual treatments can be an early sign
- Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness : Hair thinning on the scalp is another androgen-related symptom
- Enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts : Visible on ultrasound, though not all women with PCOS have cysts
- Fertility problems : Difficulty conceiving due to irregular or absent ovulation often leads to diagnosis
Other early signs can include dark, thickened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), mood changes like depression or anxiety, and pelvic pain
. Symptoms typically become apparent in late teens or early 20s but can vary widely in severity and combination
. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, diagnosis can be delayed, and it is advised to consult a healthcare provider if these signs are present
. In summary, the first and most common signs of PCOS are irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth, weight gain, acne, and sometimes enlarged ovaries with cysts
