What is PCOS? Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome as TOWIE star Gemma Collins highlights weight gain caused by the condition

Gemma Collins shared her struggle with the condition in an Instagram post (Photo: Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images)

But what exactly is PCOS, what are the symptoms and how is it diagnosed? This is everything you need to know.

What did Gemma Collins say?

Gemma Collins took to Instagram to post a throwback photo of her younger self and discussed her journey with polycystic ovary syndrome.

She wrote in the caption: “As you can see guys when I was in my 20s, I was very slim, then I was told I had PCOS and it’s been a struggle ever since, however I make the most of myself and remain positive because it’s what’s in your heart counts the most.”

She went on to write about how she has received bullying comments about her weight, which is a symptom of PCOS.

“I chose to rise above and continued to promote body confidence even when I had my own personal struggles,” Collins wrote.

She explained how early on in her career, she had been told that she was “too fat to promote” certain brands.

She ends the post by writing: “Always believe in you. My heart has always been the same no matter my size.”

What is PCOS?

The NHS explains that PCOS is a “common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work”.

The main features of PCOS are:

- Irregular periods, which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs

- Excess androgen, which is high levels of “male” hormones in your body, which may cause physical side effects like an excess of facial or body hair

- Polycystic ovaries, which causes your ovaries to become enlarged and contain many fluid filled sacs that surround the eggs

The NHS states that if you have at least two of these features, “you may be diagnosed with PCOS”.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families.

The condition is related to “abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin”, which is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Usually the signs and symptoms of PCOS become apparent during your late teens or early 20s.

These symptoms can include:

- Irregular periods, or no periods at all

- Difficulty getting pregnant

- Excessive hair growth, usually on the face, chest and back

- Weight gain

- Thinning hair or hair loss

- Oily skin or acne

The NHS says: “PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type two diabetes and high cholesterol levels.”

How is PCOS diagnosed?

When it comes to getting PCOS diagnosed, you’ll need to see your GP.

They’ll ask you about your symptoms in order to rule out any other possible causes, and will likely check your blood pressure as well.

The NHS says: “They’ll also arrange for you to have a number of hormone tests to find out whether the excess hormone production is caused by PCOS or another hormone related condition.”

You might also need an ultrasound scan, which can show if you have a high number of follicles in your ovaries. You might also need a blood test as well, to measure your hormone levels and also screen for diabetes or high cholesterol.

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, you might be treated by your GP, or referred to a specialist, who will discuss with you the best ways to manage your diagnosis.

What’s the treatment for PCOS?

There is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms themselves can be treated.

Weight gain can be combated by exercise and eating a health, balanced diet.

Medications are also available to treat symptoms like excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility issues.

The contraceptive pill is sometimes recommended to induce regular periods.

If you’re concerned you might have PCOS, the NHS says you should speak to your GP.