7 Early PCOS Signs Millions of Women Overlook, Are You One of Them?
Ritika | Aug 27, 2025, 15:55 IST
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Highlight of the story:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not merely a diagnosis; it's a path thousands of women take without even knowing it at first. Brushed aside by symptoms dismissed as "normal hormonal stuff," early symptoms go unnoticed. Here are seven early signs of PCOS, presented to you with insight, encouragement, and a gentle prod to listen to what your body is saying.
Picture waking up exhausted despite a full night's sleep, your skin erupting into spots for no apparent reason, periods going AWOL, and a mood that's like a rollercoaster ride you didn't book. Those are some things millions of women suffer from because of PCOS. It comes in quietly like a silence before a storm, and so missing the alarm your body raises is the first blunder anyone can make.
And of course, let’s not forget the common notion about them being “just irregular periods”, dismissing everything else that we suffer from.
So in this article, we are going to talk, loudly, about the 7 early signs that your body gives about PCOS. Let's get real, heart to heart, about the first whispers your body sends you when PCOS may be hiding.
The most common red flag that your body raises is irregular periods, sometimes twice a month, and sometimes skipping an entire month. Another red flag to be aware of is having a prolonged period than what is typical, i.e., a period that lasts longer than it should last. Irregular periods are one of the first and most obvious signs of PCOS. And they should not be ignored, unless you know the cause behind the delay. Also, occasional variation is normal, but a pattern of uncertainty must be discussed with your physician. Your period is your monthly check-in with yourself. Pay attention, don’t turn a blind eye towards it.
You’re eating right, staying active, yet those extra pounds cling like they own the place. A large majority of those suffering from PCOS have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Why? Well, that is because PCOS often messes with insulin levels, which ultimately makes weight loss harder. And weight gain? It becomes more common, especially around the belly area. So don’t just blame yourself for that extra burger or a cheat diet or perhaps anything you had; rather, understand that all your body needs is a little extra love and attention, and not punishment or being critical of it.
Sounds odd? Well, it isn’t. More than half the people with PCOS face this. Thick hair growth on the back, chest, upper lip, or chin is almost common for everyone suffering from PCOS. The high levels of androgens (male hormones) are what is behind these unexpected surprises, causing increased hair growth, even when you don't want it.
Nevertheless, you should not let this make you feel bad, as it is all hormonal, and in fact, you should feel happy in your own skin. Because you still look pretty when you wear that charming smile, the one that’s on your face now. It isn’t? Well, then, bring it on. What are you waiting for?
In PCOS, too much androgen and insulin resistance may cause a list of other problems as well, and due to these, your skin responds in ways you often find very frustrating. From adult acne that won't quit to dark spots on the neck, underarm, or groin, these are some things you might have noticed. Well, that’s one alarm for you, too, as these changes in the skin are usually, in many cases, the early signs of PCOS. So, rather than using concealers and camouflaging with makeup or hiding behind those filters, understand what your skin is going through and know that with those signs your skin is basically trying to communicate with you and it's time you respond back too.
While some areas grow excess hair, the scalp may experience something really contrasting. Yes, the nightmare we all as girls dread about, hair thinning or hair loss. This contrast can feel emotionally draining, but there’s another aspect to it, too, that must not be avoided; it’s basically a sign that hormone levels need addressing. And with this happening, you’re certainly not “losing yourself,” you’re just simply being called to pay attention to what’s happening beneath the surface.
Did you ever label your personality as “moody”? Well, being girls, trust me, we all have. But it’s not just about that. Did you ever feel like your emotions were basically controlling you and not vice-versa? Like one minute you’re fine, the next you’re overwhelmed and anxious. That’s PCOS. It affects the mind as much as it has its effects on the body. It is what ultimately leads to the “classic mood swings”, or fatigue, or sometimes even low self-esteem.
For some women, PCOS doesn’t show as the above signs and will only reveal itself when they attempt to become pregnant. PCOS can make pregnancy difficult, which happens due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all. Now I know it sounds really devastating, and to encounter will mean just more. But with early diagnosis and treatment, one can enhance fertility rates. And for that, you’ll have to keep track of your body and any red flags it might raise because the sooner you hear these whispers, the better choices you will have. So don’t ignore any sign that your body gives, no matter how small.
PCOS is not a life sentence, though; it's an invitation. And you missing the earliest signs, or ignoring or dismissing them as just irregular periods, is basically you accepting that life sentence. But always remember that through early diagnosis, things will go in your favour. You’ll be able to control the symptoms and successfully avoid any long-term consequences too.
So the next time your body raises a red flag or sounds an alarm, talk to your health care provider, and get yourself diagnosed. Don’t ignore the signs, listen to your body well, and get your health back on track.
Because you, my darling, deserve nothing less than a life where you feel empowered, unbreakable, and vibrantly you.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Can PCOS be cured permanently?
Being a chronic condition, PCOS cannot be cured; however, with lifestyle changes and medication, it can be effectively managed.Can people with PCOS get pregnant?
Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant, while PCOS is a common cause for infertility, that doesn’t make pregnancy impossible.Can PCOS cause dizziness?
Yes, PCOS can cause dizziness, although it is not a direct and primary symptom of PCOS.
And of course, let’s not forget the common notion about them being “just irregular periods”, dismissing everything else that we suffer from.
So in this article, we are going to talk, loudly, about the 7 early signs that your body gives about PCOS. Let's get real, heart to heart, about the first whispers your body sends you when PCOS may be hiding.
1. Missed or Irregular Periods
Missed Periods
( Image credit : Pexels )
The most common red flag that your body raises is irregular periods, sometimes twice a month, and sometimes skipping an entire month. Another red flag to be aware of is having a prolonged period than what is typical, i.e., a period that lasts longer than it should last. Irregular periods are one of the first and most obvious signs of PCOS. And they should not be ignored, unless you know the cause behind the delay. Also, occasional variation is normal, but a pattern of uncertainty must be discussed with your physician. Your period is your monthly check-in with yourself. Pay attention, don’t turn a blind eye towards it.
2. Unexplained Weight Gain
Weight Gain
( Image credit : Pixabay )
You’re eating right, staying active, yet those extra pounds cling like they own the place. A large majority of those suffering from PCOS have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Why? Well, that is because PCOS often messes with insulin levels, which ultimately makes weight loss harder. And weight gain? It becomes more common, especially around the belly area. So don’t just blame yourself for that extra burger or a cheat diet or perhaps anything you had; rather, understand that all your body needs is a little extra love and attention, and not punishment or being critical of it.
3. Excessive Hair Growth
Nevertheless, you should not let this make you feel bad, as it is all hormonal, and in fact, you should feel happy in your own skin. Because you still look pretty when you wear that charming smile, the one that’s on your face now. It isn’t? Well, then, bring it on. What are you waiting for?
4. Chronic Acne and changes in skin
Chronic Acne
( Image credit : Pexels )
In PCOS, too much androgen and insulin resistance may cause a list of other problems as well, and due to these, your skin responds in ways you often find very frustrating. From adult acne that won't quit to dark spots on the neck, underarm, or groin, these are some things you might have noticed. Well, that’s one alarm for you, too, as these changes in the skin are usually, in many cases, the early signs of PCOS. So, rather than using concealers and camouflaging with makeup or hiding behind those filters, understand what your skin is going through and know that with those signs your skin is basically trying to communicate with you and it's time you respond back too.
5. Hair thinning on the Scalp
Hair fall
( Image credit : Pexels )
While some areas grow excess hair, the scalp may experience something really contrasting. Yes, the nightmare we all as girls dread about, hair thinning or hair loss. This contrast can feel emotionally draining, but there’s another aspect to it, too, that must not be avoided; it’s basically a sign that hormone levels need addressing. And with this happening, you’re certainly not “losing yourself,” you’re just simply being called to pay attention to what’s happening beneath the surface.
6. Mood Swings and Fatigue
An annoyed and irritated
( Image credit : Pexels )
Did you ever label your personality as “moody”? Well, being girls, trust me, we all have. But it’s not just about that. Did you ever feel like your emotions were basically controlling you and not vice-versa? Like one minute you’re fine, the next you’re overwhelmed and anxious. That’s PCOS. It affects the mind as much as it has its effects on the body. It is what ultimately leads to the “classic mood swings”, or fatigue, or sometimes even low self-esteem.
7. Difficulty Conceiving
Difficulty conceiving
( Image credit : Pexels )
For some women, PCOS doesn’t show as the above signs and will only reveal itself when they attempt to become pregnant. PCOS can make pregnancy difficult, which happens due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all. Now I know it sounds really devastating, and to encounter will mean just more. But with early diagnosis and treatment, one can enhance fertility rates. And for that, you’ll have to keep track of your body and any red flags it might raise because the sooner you hear these whispers, the better choices you will have. So don’t ignore any sign that your body gives, no matter how small.
Listening to Your Body's Whisper
So the next time your body raises a red flag or sounds an alarm, talk to your health care provider, and get yourself diagnosed. Don’t ignore the signs, listen to your body well, and get your health back on track.
Because you, my darling, deserve nothing less than a life where you feel empowered, unbreakable, and vibrantly you.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Being a chronic condition, PCOS cannot be cured; however, with lifestyle changes and medication, it can be effectively managed.Can people with PCOS get pregnant?
Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant, while PCOS is a common cause for infertility, that doesn’t make pregnancy impossible.Can PCOS cause dizziness?
Yes, PCOS can cause dizziness, although it is not a direct and primary symptom of PCOS.