Is It PCOS? The Signs Your Body Has Been Trying to Tell You

If you have ever sat on Google at 2 AM trying to understand why your period disappears for three months only to return with the vengeance of a tax collector, you are not alone. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women — and in South Africa, where access to reproductive healthcare is often uneven, many women navigate this condition without the language or support to make sense of their symptoms.

PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all illness; it is more like a personality cluster. For some women, it is the stubborn hormonal acne that refuses to mind its business. For others, it is struggling to lose weight no matter how many Rooibos detox teas they drink. And for many, it is the quiet emotional toll of feeling like your body is working against you.

Let us break it down — clearly, gently, and with the honesty every woman deserves.

What Exactly Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition where your ovaries produce higher-than-normal amounts of androgens (male-associated hormones). This hormonal imbalance can affect ovulation, period regularity, weight, mood, and even fertility.

Think of your hormones as a choir. With PCOS, one section — usually the altos — starts singing off-key and refuses to blend. The entire performance suffers.

Common Signs and Symptoms

PCOS does not look the same for everyone, especially in a diverse country like South Africa where genetics, lifestyle, and environment vary widely. But here are the symptoms many women report:

Irregular or missing periods

Your cycle could be 28 days one month and 60 days the next. Some women do not get a period for months at a time.

Skin changes

Hormonal acne, oily skin, and darkening of the neck or inner thighs — often linked to insulin resistance.

Difficulty losing weight

PCOS frequently involves insulin resistance, making weight loss harder.

Excess hair growth

PCOS can cause facial or body hair growth in male-pattern areas.

Thinning hair on the head

Androgen-related hair thinning is another documented symptom.

Mood changes

Anxiety, irritability, and low mood are common but often overlooked.

Why PCOS Happens (And No, It Is Not Your Fault)

The exact cause is not fully understood, but two major factors drive PCOS:

Insulin resistance

Your body struggles to use insulin properly, raising insulin and androgen levels.

Genetics

PCOS often runs in families.

What You Can Do (Starting Today)

PCOS is chronic — not "curable," but very manageable. Small, consistent changes matter.

Track your cycle

Apps like Olanna help you understand your patterns and take control.

Prioritise balanced eating

A sustainable eating pattern improves insulin sensitivity.

Move your body

Regular movement improves metabolic health and mood.

Speak to a healthcare professional

Diagnosis and treatment guidelines are well-established.

Strengthen your support system

No woman should navigate PCOS alone.

The Bottom Line

PCOS is common, manageable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Your symptoms are real, valid, and deserve attention. With tools like the Olanna reproductive health app and proper medical support, you are not walking this journey alone.