"I think I have PCOS, But I’m Not Sure"... Here's What to Look For

You’re gaining weight out of nowhere. Breaking out like a teenager. Your hair’s thinning in places you’d rather keep thick, and growing in places you’d rather keep bare. Your period seems to have a mind of its own—sometimes MIA, sometimes unpredictable. You’re exhausted, frustrated, and wondering… could this be PCOS?

First, take a deep breath.

You are not broken.You are not alone.And most importantly—you deserve clarity, support, and solutions rooted in understanding, not shame.

PCOS: More Than a Diagnosis, It’s a Spectrum

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal imbalances affecting women, but here’s the kicker: it can show up differently for everyone. And because it’s often misunderstood, it leaves many women in a fog of confusion, self-blame, and endless Google searches.

So, if you think you have PCOS, don't panic.

Let’s walk through what to look for—with science, heart, and self-compassion leading the way.

Key Signs & Symptoms of PCOS

1. Hyperandrogenism: Too Much Testosterone (and Friends)

One of the hallmark traits of PCOS is elevated levels of androgens—what we typically think of as "male" hormones, like testosterone, but women naturally have them too.

• High Testosterone: Lab values over 70 ng/dL are usually a red flag.

• If testosterone isn’t elevated? Don't stop there. Sometimes DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and androstenedione are the culprits. They’re like testosterone’s cousins—also powerful, also disruptive.

  
  

2. Hirsutism: Hair Where You Don’t Want It

Using the Modified Ferriman-Gallwey score, we assess excess hair growth in areas like the chin, upper lip, chest, back, and abdomen. A score of ≥4 to ≥8 suggests androgen excess. This can be one of the more emotionally charged symptoms—please know, it’s not about vanity, it’s about feeling like yourself.

3. Female Pattern Hair Loss

While hair may sprout where you don’t want it, it can simultaneously thin at the crown or temples—a distressing contradiction driven by those same elevated androgens.

4. Acne (That Just Won’t Quit)

Persistent acne, especially along the jawline or chin, is often tied to androgen excess. If you’ve tried every cleanser under the sun without relief, hormones—not hygiene—could be the issue.

5. Irregular Periods

Your menstrual cycle is one of the best biofeedback tools you have. In PCOS, you might notice:

• Cycles longer than 35 days apart

• Fewer than 8 cycles per year

• Periods that show up unpredictably, if at all

Why? Ovulation is often irregular or absent altogether, which disrupts your body’s hormonal rhythm.

6. Ovarian Follicles & Cysts

An ultrasound may reveal:

• ≥20 follicles per ovary

• Ovarian volume of ≥10 cm³

But here’s the key: Not every woman with PCOS has visible cysts, and not every ovarian cyst equals PCOS. It’s one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

7. Elevated AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

High AMH levels (3.8–5 ng/mL or above) often correlate with PCOS. This hormone reflects the number of follicles in your ovaries and can further support diagnosis.

Beyond the Symptoms: A Bigger Conversation

PCOS isn’t just a checklist. It’s a lived experience—physically, emotionally, socially.

It can feel like your body is working against you. It can erode confidence, relationships, and self-worth if left unchecked.

But it doesn’t have to.

Knowledge is power, but self-compassion is the key. Understanding these markers can arm you with clarity, but the goal is not to label yourself—it’s to reclaim agency over your health.

What To Do Next if You Think You have PCOS

If these signs resonate with you, it’s time to:

1. Advocate for comprehensive testing: Don’t settle for "just lose weight" or "it's all in your head." Ask for a full hormone panel, including testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, AMH, and an ultrasound if needed.

   
   

2. Work with a functional medicine practitioner: Someone who sees the whole picture—nutrition, gut health, stress, sleep, insulin resistance—not just the symptoms.

   
   

3. Ditch the shame: Your body is not broken. It’s simply asking for attention, balance, and care.

   
   

PCOS might feel like an unwelcome guest, but you don’t have to navigate it alone or in the dark.

You are worthy of answers.

You are worthy of support.

And you are worthy of thriving.

In health,

Dr. Mina