PCOS and pregnancy
8-minute read
Key facts
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition.
- It can impact your menstrual cycle, fertility and appearance.
- PCOS can make it hard to fall pregnant and put you at higher risk of pregnancy complications.
- However, most people with PCOS can fall pregnant with support.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition.
This can affect your:
- menstrual cycle (periods)
- fertility
- appearance
If you have PCOS you may struggle to become pregnant. If you fall pregnant, you may be at higher risk of developing some pregnancy complications.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
There are many signs and symptoms that are associated with PCOS.
If you have PCOS, you may have:
- cysts on your ovaries
- insulin resistance — where your cells don't respond to insulin and your blood sugar levels rise
- weight gain
- depression
You may also experience other symptoms such as:
- excessive face and body hair
- thinning or balding head hair
- acne
- irregular menstrual periods
- problems with ovulation (the release of eggs from your ovaries)
- infertility
These symptoms are caused by higher levels of androgens, including testosterone. All females have these hormones. If you have PCOS, you will have slightly higher amounts of these hormones.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but genetics and family history are thought to play an important role.
Many people with PCOS don't know they have it. This is because it can have similar symptoms to other conditions.
Sometimes, people only find out that they have PCOS when they look into why they are having trouble getting pregnant.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
At your appointment, your doctor will:
- ask about your symptoms
- ask for your medical history
- examine you
Your doctor may also recommend blood tests and an ultrasound scan to look for cysts in your ovaries.
In general, to be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have 2 of the following:
- irregular periods or no periods
- increased levels of androgen hormones — shown through symptoms or a blood test
- an ultrasound scan showing cysts on your ovaries
When should I see my doctor?
If you think you might have PCOS, see your doctor. Early diagnosis means that your symptoms can be treated early.
Will PCOS affect my fertility?
If you have PCOS, you might struggle to get pregnant.
Fortunately, with lifestyle changes and infertility treatments most people with PCOS can become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor or fertility specialist for individual advice for your situation.
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment for PCOS depends on each person. Speak to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Treatments when I am trying to fall pregnant
If you are trying to fall pregnant, your PCOS treatment will focus on:
- restoring regular ovulation
- weight loss
- improving your general health and wellbeing
If you have made lifestyle changes and are still struggling to fall pregnant, your doctor may order fertility tests. They may also prescribe fertility medicines to help you ovulate. In some cases, they may recommend surgery.
Another possibility is in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which can increase the chance of conception for some people. However, this can be expensive and is usually only considered when all other options have been unsuccessful.
Treatments when I am not trying to fall pregnant
If you are not trying to fall pregnant, your PCOS treatment will focus on:
- reducing your symptoms
- reducing your risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Speak to your doctor. They can help you manage your PCOS symptoms by providing:
- weight loss management strategies
- treatment for sleeping problems
- acne treatment
- medicines, including hormonal contraception (birth control) to manage irregular periods
Dealing with infertility and PCOS symptoms can be difficult. You may experience feelings of depression and anxiety.
Your doctor can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist for your mental health.
What steps can I take to look after my health?
You can make lifestyle changes to manage your PCOS and look after your health. These include:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating healthily
- exercising
- managing stress
- getting enough sleep
These lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms of PCOS and improve your chance of falling pregnant.
If you are overweight, a 5% to 10% loss in weight can restore normal menstrual cycles.
Speak to your doctor for guidance on how to make effective lifestyle changes.
Can PCOS be prevented?
As the cause of PCOS is not fully understood it can't be prevented.
Can PCOS increase my risk of complications during pregnancy?
Having PCOS can increase your risk of some complications during pregnancy, such as:
- high blood pressure
- gestational diabetes
- premature birth
- miscarriage
If you have PCOS, your baby is more likely to be larger than expected for their gestational age. This increases your chance of needing a caesarean delivery.
Babies born to people with PCOS also have a higher chance of being admitted to a newborn intensive care unit.
If you have PCOS and are pregnant, it's important you talk with your doctor. The risk of these pregnancy complications can be reduced by:
- monitoring your PCOS symptoms
- taking extra care during your pregnancy
Resources and support
You can visit the Jean Hailes website for more information on PCOS and its complications.
Hormones Australia also supplies information on PCOS, including questions to ask your doctor.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2024
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