Signs of PCOS You Might Not Realise Are Connected

Claire Mace Nutrition
May 2
3 min read

If you've ever felt like something is "off" in your body—but you can’t quite put your finger on what—it might be more than stress. It might be PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries. And while irregular periods and difficulty conceiving are the symptoms most people associate with PCOS, there’s so much more going on beneath the surface.

In fact, many of the signs of PCOS are subtle—and often brushed off as unrelated issues. Here are some of the less obvious symptoms of PCOS that are worth paying attention to:

1. Feeling Tired All the Time

Fatigue is a common complaint among those with PCOS. This isn’t just “I didn’t sleep well last night” tired—it’s the kind of exhaustion that can persist even after a full night’s rest. This can be related to hormonal imbalances, blood sugar fluctuations, and even low mood.

2. Craving Sugar Even After Meals

If you feel like you’re constantly hungry or craving sugar, even shortly after eating, insulin resistance could be playing a role. Many people with PCOS have difficulty processing insulin efficiently, which affects how your body uses glucose for energy.

3. Low Mood or Motivation

Mood swings, anxiety, and even depression are frequently linked with PCOS—but they’re often overlooked or dismissed. Hormonal imbalances can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.

4. Acne or Hair Changes

Persistent acne (especially along the jawline), excess facial or body hair, or thinning hair on the scalp may all be signs of elevated androgen levels—one of the core characteristics of PCOS.

5. Irregular or Missing Periods

While this is one of the more well-known symptoms, it can look different for everyone. You might have very long cycles, very short cycles, or skip periods entirely. It's a key diagnostic criteria, but not all people with PCOS experience this symptom in the same way.

6. Constantly Second-Guessing Your Body

One of the most frustrating parts of living with PCOS is feeling disconnected from your body. You might find yourself wondering, “Why do I feel like this?” or “Is this normal?” more often than not. That sense of confusion is valid—and worth exploring.

It Might Be More Than Stress… It Might Be PCOS

The truth is, PCOS doesn’t always show up the way people expect it to. And that’s exactly why so many people go undiagnosed for years.

If any of this sounds familiar, here’s what you can do:

Start tracking your symptoms – Not just your cycle, but energy, mood, hunger, skin, and more. It can help you spot patterns and give you clearer information to take to your GP.
Ask questions – You have the right to be heard, and to advocate for the care you need.
Find the right support – Whether it’s a women’s health nutritionist (hi!), a supportive GP, or a hormone-aware personal trainer, the right team can make a huge difference.

You Deserve Answers. You Deserve Support.

Living with PCOS can be confusing, frustrating, and isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.

This is your reminder:You are not imagining it.You are not alone.And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’re looking for a safe, practical place to start managing your symptoms, I’d love to help.Reach out for personalised guidance or check out my free PCOS resources to begin feeling more in control of your health.

Tags: #PCOSAwareness #PCOSsupport #SignsOfPCOS #WomensHealth #HormonalHealth #InsulinResistance #PCOSFatigue #AcneAndPCOS #LowMoodAndHormones