PCOS: Symptoms, Causes and Care in Canada

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It’s one of the most frequent causes of irregular periods and affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, though many go undiagnosed for years. This guide covers the common symptoms, what causes PCOS, how it’s diagnosed, and the range of care options available.

Common symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, and you don’t need every symptom on this list to have the condition. Common signs include irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism), acne, thinning hair on the scalp, weight changes, and difficulty getting pregnant. Many people also notice small cysts on the ovaries on ultrasound, though not everyone with PCOS has these, and having ovarian cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS.

What causes PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to a combination of factors: higher levels of androgens (hormones like testosterone that everyone produces in some amount), insulin resistance, and genetics. PCOS often runs in families, and having a close relative with it raises your own likelihood of developing it. None of these factors are things you did or didn’t do, PCOS is not caused by diet or lifestyle alone.

How PCOS is diagnosed

There’s no single test for PCOS. A clinician typically looks at your symptoms, menstrual history, and may order bloodwork to check hormone levels and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders. An ultrasound can help but isn’t required for every diagnosis. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, a proper diagnosis usually needs a clinician familiar with the full picture rather than a single test result in isolation.

Care options for PCOS

Care for PCOS is tailored to which symptoms bother you most and whether you’re trying to conceive. Common approaches include lifestyle changes (nutrition and activity, which can help with insulin resistance), hormonal treatment options to regulate cycles and manage acne or excess hair growth, and targeted care for specific symptoms like acne or hair thinning. A clinician decides what’s appropriate for you based on your health history and goals, and a prescription is not guaranteed for everyone.

With Jill Health, you can complete an online intake about your symptoms and health history, and a licensed clinician reviews it to discuss care options suited to you. Medication, when appropriate, is billed separately from the program fee.

Frequently asked questions

Can PCOS go away on its own? PCOS is a chronic condition, meaning it doesn’t resolve on its own, but symptoms can often be managed effectively with the right care plan.

Does PCOS affect fertility? PCOS is one of the more common causes of difficulty conceiving, largely due to irregular ovulation, but many people with PCOS do conceive, with or without treatment.

Sources: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada; Canadian clinical guidance on PCOS diagnosis and management.