PCOS Symptom Checker — Do I Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Do I have PCOS? Check 12 common symptoms across menstrual, hormonal & metabolic categories. Get your risk score in under a minute.
Reviewed by Dr. Rukkayal Fathima, MRCOG (UK)
Select all symptoms that apply to you:
🩸 Menstrual Symptoms
⚡ Hormonal Symptoms
🔄 Metabolic Symptoms
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Understanding PCOS — Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how your ovaries work. It is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 20% of Indian women — that's 1 in every 5 women. Urban women in India face even higher rates due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary patterns.
Doctors diagnose PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria — you need at least 2 of 3 features: (1) irregular or absent periods, (2) signs of excess androgens (acne, excess hair growth) or elevated androgen levels on blood tests, (3) polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound.
Early diagnosis is crucial because untreated PCOS can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, endometrial issues, and fertility problems. The good news: with proper management — lifestyle changes, medication, and specialist care — most women with PCOS live healthy lives and conceive successfully.
How PCOS Is Diagnosed & Treated
A proper PCOS evaluation typically includes:
- Blood tests — hormone levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEAS), thyroid function, insulin resistance markers, and fasting glucose
- Pelvic ultrasound — to check for polycystic-appearing ovaries (12+ follicles or increased ovarian volume)
- Clinical assessment — evaluation of menstrual history, acne, hair growth patterns, and BMI
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and goals:
- Lifestyle modifications — even 5–10% weight loss can restore regular ovulation in overweight women with PCOS
- Medications — oral contraceptives (to regulate periods), metformin (for insulin resistance), anti-androgens (for acne/hair growth)
- Fertility treatments — ovulation induction with Letrozole or Clomiphene, IUI, or IVF for women trying to conceive
PCOS is not curable, but it is very manageable. Most women with PCOS who seek treatment go on to have regular cycles and successful pregnancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 5 Indian women. It causes irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones), and often small cysts on the ovaries. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly improve outcomes.
No. This is a screening tool that assesses symptom overlap, not a medical diagnosis. PCOS diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, hormone blood tests, and often a pelvic ultrasound. If your score is moderate or high, consult a specialist.
The exact cause is unknown, but factors include genetics, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and excess androgen production. It tends to run in families — if your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk is higher.
Doctors use the Rotterdam criteria: at least 2 of 3 features — (1) irregular or absent periods, (2) signs of excess androgens (acne, hirsutism) or elevated androgen levels on blood tests, (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Yes. PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility (not ovulating regularly). However, with treatment — ovulation induction, lifestyle changes, or IVF — most women with PCOS can conceive successfully.
Very common. Studies show 1 in 5 Indian women of reproductive age has PCOS, with higher prevalence in urban areas. Factors like sedentary lifestyle, dietary patterns, and genetic predisposition contribute to this high rate.
PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight management), medications (for irregular periods, insulin resistance, or excess androgens), and fertility treatments if needed.
See a specialist if you have irregular periods (fewer than 8 per year or cycles longer than 35 days), unexplained weight gain, persistent acne or excess hair growth, or difficulty conceiving. Early intervention prevents long-term complications.
Yes. Dr. Rukkayal Fathima is a fertility specialist and gynaecologist (MRCOG UK, FRM Germany) who provides comprehensive PCOS diagnosis and treatment, including lifestyle counselling, medical management, and fertility support at her Chennai clinics.
Take the Next Step Towards Clarity
Dr. Rukkayal offers comprehensive PCOS evaluation with hormone testing and ultrasound — so you can get clear answers and a personalised care plan.
We welcome patients from Chennai and across India. Book an in-person visit or a video consultation.