To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have at least two of the following three symptoms:

• A higher-than normal amount of androgen (male) hormones. This is called hyperandrogenism 
• Irregular or no periods 
• Ovaries that have an excessive amount of follicles, which are also called “polycystic ovaries”

This is known as the Rotterdam Criteria, and it’s the most widely-used diagnostic criteria for PCOS in the UK. 

But different combinations of these symptoms are sometimes grouped into categories, or “types” of PCOS: 

• Type A: Hyperandrogenism, no ovulation, polycystic ovaries 
• Type B: Hyperandrogenism and no ovulation
• Type C: Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries 
• Type D: No ovulation and polycystic ovaries 

So, which type you have will depend on which symptoms you’ve got. Your doctor can run tests to figure this out. 

PCOS is also sometimes categorised into types based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. You may have: 

• Insulin resistant PCOS 
• Inflammatory PCOS 
• High androgen PCOS 
• Post pill PCOS
  

Understanding which types of PCOS you have can help you find the best ways to manage your symptoms — we cover all of the different types in our six week programme!

There’s not one definite test for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there are blood tests that look for signs that you have it. Your doctor might use these alongside their assessment of your symptoms when making a diagnosis. 

PCOS is a hormonal disorder, so the tests you might have done could include:

• Testosterone. This is the main hormone implicated in PCOS, and is generally higher in folks who have it 
• Oestrogen. Some people with PCOS have higher than normal levels of oestrogen

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). Levels can be higher with PCOS

No, not always. One of the symptoms of PCOS is having an excess number of follicles (small, fluid-filled sacs where eggs grow) develop in your ovaries, and this can be seen via ultrasound. But not everyone with PCOS will have this symptom.

Ultrasound is a tool your doctor uses to get more information about what’s going on inside your body. Your results are another piece of the puzzle that they’ll weigh up when making a diagnosis.

Everyone experiences PCOS differently. For example, the condition can often cause irregular menstrual cycles which can sometimes make it harder to conceive.  It can also cause changes to your body, like acne, body hair growth, and changes to weight, which may affect how you feel in yourself. 

But whatever your symptoms, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone and help is available. Plenty of people with PCOS live full and happy lives — and go on to become parents if that’s something they desire!

Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to cure PCOS. But there are certainly ways you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that’s closely tied to our metabolism, so healthy changes to diet and lifestyle can help. In fact, lifestyle modifications are considered the first line treatment for the condition. At Parla, we’re experts in natural solutions that are backed by science. Browse our products or courses to learn more about what could help your PCOS.

Very common. Estimates vary, but it’s thought that around 5-15% of people assigned female at birth have PCOS.