Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - FAQ

Frequently asked questions

A: Painful periods are not a common symptom of PCOS. However, PCOS may cause a reduction in menstrual flow and frequency.

A: Yes, women with PCOS often find it hard to lose weight because of factors such as:

  • Frequent hunger and cravings due to insulin resistance
  • High insulin levels that promotes fat storage and weight gain
  • Lack of appetite-regulating hormones such as ghrelin, cholecystokinin and leptin.

A: It can be difficult to detect pregnancy with PCOS, as it causes irregular periods and abnormal hormone levels. If you are taking a home-based pregnancy test, use it 2 – 3 weeks after sexual intercourse to see if you are pregnant.

You can also look out for the usual signs of pregnancy including:

  • Bloating
  • Backache
  • Breast tenderness
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Higher basal temperature
  • Nausea or food aversion

To confirm your pregnancy, visit your gynaecologist for a blood test.

A: As gluten causes inflammation, it can worsen inflammatory PCOS.

Avoid consuming gluten if you have inflammatory PCOS. Instead, try to consume the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet.

A: There is no clear hereditary link in PCOS, so it is hard to say whether PCOS is genetic or not.

Experts believe that PCOS is caused by a combination of factors, including genes and environmental factors such as stress and diet.

A: There is no conclusive medical evidence that PCOS causes UTIs.

A: Yes, some research has shown that PCOS is associated with stillbirth and should be considered as a possible risk factor.

In general, women with PCOS are at a higher risk for pregnancy and delivery complications.

A: If you have PCOS, you should try the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet. In general, these diets have more whole grains, fresh produce and plant-based proteins. They also tend to exclude sugar, processed food and trans fat.

A: Yes, you can have regular periods with PCOS. This is because mild PCOS does not affect your menstruation and fertility. However, severe PCOS can have a negative impact on your fertility and health.

A: If you are concerned about irregular or missing periods due to PCOS, you may be able to regulate your period by:

  • Avoiding tobacco smoke and alcohol
  • Making dietary changes and consuming supplements
  • Increasing your physical activity if you are overweight
  • Decreasing your physical activity if you are an athlete
  • Reducing stress factors while allocating more time for relaxation

Speak to your doctor to understand how you can regulate your period better.

A: Though it may be more difficult to get pregnant if you have PCOS and irregular periods, you can increase your likelihood by:

  • Adopting a healthier lifestyle
  • Losing weight if you are overweight
  • Considering in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Taking medication to help regulate your periods and reduce insulin levels

Do consult your gynaecologist for further advice.

A: No, there is currently no cure for PCOS.

However, you can manage your PCOS through lifestyle and dietary changes, medication and therapy.

A: If you have PCOS during pregnancy, you should take the following precautions to avoid complications:

  • Monitor your blood glucose and insulin levels closely
  • Stay within the recommended amount of weight gain
  • Take medication to regulate your blood sugar levels
  • Take vitamins and supplements such as folic acid

Do consult your gynaecologist for further advice.

A: PCOS usually becomes obvious when a girl starts her menstruation. In some women, PCOS becomes obvious when there is difficulty getting pregnant or if there is severe weight gain.

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

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