PCOS

Here’s the thing: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms don’t always show up with flashing neon signs. And if you’re only looking for the “classic” ones – acne, facial hair, irregular periods – you might be missing the full picture.

Especially if you’re dealing with low oestrogen symptoms, thyroid issues, or a hormonal hot mess that doesn’t fit neatly into a box.

PCOS isn’t one size fits all. You can have estrogen dominance, or not enough oestrogen at all. Your thyroid might be underperforming. You might be ticking every box for a hormone imbalance… and still be told, “everything looks fine.”

This post is here to call that out.

We’re breaking down 10 PCOS symptoms that fly under the radar – but could explain exactly why you feel so off lately. No fluff. Just real talk. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to dig deeper – and take back control of your health.

Let’s dive in.

1. You’re Always Knackered (No Matter How Much You Sleep)

Not just “I need a nap” tired. We’re talking bone-deep, dragging-yourself-through-the-day exhaustion.

Fatigue in PCOS isn’t caused by just one thing. It’s often a messy mix of hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, poor sleep, chronic inflammation, and even mental health struggles.

Low oestrogen, sluggish thyroid function, and cortisol spikes can all mess with your energy levels—while high androgens and blood sugar crashes make it worse.

Study Insight: A Medical News Today review confirms that PCOS-related fatigue often stems from sleep issues, insulin resistance, hormone disruption, and emotional stress.
Read More.

2. Your Periods Seem Normal – But Something Still Feels “Off”

You might be bleeding every month, but that doesn’t mean you’re ovulating. Light, short, or weirdly timed cycles can be signs of low oestrogen, a hormone imbalance, or even unrecognised PCOS.

Don’t let a “regular” period fool you.

Study Insight: Approximately 75-85% of women with PCOS experience clinically evident menstrual dysfunction, highlighting the prevalence of ovulatory issues even when periods appear regular. Read More.

3. You’re Bloated All the Time (And Can’t Blame Last Night’s Takeaway)

The kind of bloating that makes jeans unbearable by 4pm? That can be linked to oestrogen dominance, sluggish digestion, or chronic inflammation – often part of the PCOS problem solution puzzle. If your gut’s not happy, your hormones won’t be either.

Study Insight: Hormonal changes in PCOS may affect gut flora and bile acids, leading to bloating and digestive discomfort. Read More

4. You Cry Over Pet Food Adverts (And Everything Feels a Bit… Much)

Mood swings? Anxiety? Crying for no reason?

Oestrogen impacts serotonin and dopamine – so both too much oestrogen and low oestrogen symptoms can turn your emotional dial way up. You’re not “overreacting” – your hormones are.

Study Insight: Women with PCOS have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to control groups, indicating a strong link between hormonal imbalances and mood disorders. Read More.

5. Your Skin Feels Like a Desert and Sex Drive’s on Holiday

Low oestrogen isn’t just about periods – it affects your skin, mood, and libido. If you feel dry, flat, and disconnected from yourself, it could be a big red flag.

Especially common post-pill or if you’re under chronic stress.

Study Insight: Research indicates that women with PCOS report lower levels of sexual function and satisfaction, often experiencing more sexual distress. Read More.

6. Your Hair Is Thinning (And Not Just On Your Head)

Hair falling out at your parting, while you’re suddenly noticing more in… less desirable places?

That combo of testosterone, DHEA, thyroid imbalance, and insulin resistance is textbook PCOS – and it often gets brushed off until it’s hard to ignore.

Study Insight: Elevated testosterone levels in PCOS can lead to hair thinning and loss, particularly in patterns typical of androgenic alopecia. Read More.

📌 Pin this for later! ⬇

7. You Can’t Shift That Belly Fat – No Matter What You Eat

Even when you’re doing everything “right,” that stubborn belly fat won’t budge. Why? Because PCOS can increase cortisol, insulin, and inflammation – making fat storage around the tummy even more likely.

If stress is sabotaging your fat loss, it’s time to look at your cortisol. Check out The Ultimate Plan to Fix Your Cortisol Levels for doable steps that actually work (and don’t involve quitting your life or living on celery juice).

Study Insight: High cortisol levels are associated with increased abdominal fat in women with PCOS, contributing to the difficulty in losing belly fat. Read More.

8. You Wake Up Tired, Wired, or Both

You slept all night, but you still feel off. PCOS messes with your sleep-wake cycle, blood sugar, and stress response.

Add a bit of thyroid drama or adrenal fatigue, and mornings feel like hell.

Study Insight: Women with PCOS are more prone to sleep disturbances, including reduced REM and non-REM sleep durations, leading to poor sleep quality. Read More.

9. Your GP Says You’re Fine – But You Know You’re Not

You’ve heard the phrase “everything looks normal” too many times. But you’re not fine.

If you’re dealing with a cluster of vague symptoms – fatigue, anxiety, cravings, weight gain – it’s time to ask for better testing.

10. You’re Blaming Yourself (And You Need to Stop)

This one hurts – but it’s the most important. When nothing works and no one listens, it’s easy to think you’re lazy or broken.

You’re not. You’ve just been given incomplete answers. PCOS is complex, but it’s not your fault.

Want more clarity and support? Read these next:

• Daily PCOS Routine: Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
• Why You Still Have Stubborn Belly Fat (Even When You’re Eating ‘Healthy’)
• Estrogen Dominance vs Low Estrogen: What’s Really Fueling Your PCOS Symptoms
• PCOS or Something Else? Why Testing Matters

Conclusion

PCOS symptoms don’t always look like textbook cases. If your body’s waving red flags – and your gut says something’s off – trust it.

You deserve to feel good in your skin, and you can take control of your hormones.

Next Steps

“If your body’s whispering, don’t wait until it screams. Listen now – and lead with compassion.”

• Read This Next: Estrogen Dominance vs Low Estrogen: What’s Really Fueling Your PCOS Symptoms
• Or check out the full PCOS blog series for practical, no-fluff solutions that actually work.