People diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience a wide variety of symptoms. PCOS can affect everything from hair growth to the menstrual cycle to overall reproductive health. It can be tied to irregular periods, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and more.

On myPCOSteam, more than 71,000 members share about their PCOS symptoms and how they affect their lives. While no two people will experience exactly the same symptoms or describe them the same way, it can help to hear others’ experiences.

Here are the most common symptoms reported on myPCOSteam, as well as the ways they affect members. Read on to find out if you have anything in common with these other members living with PCOS.

1. Depression

More than 19,400 members of myPCOSteam report experiencing depression, making it the most commonly reported symptom on the site. Depression happens when your mood is persistently low, and you may feel sad and low-energy for extended periods of time. It can be tied to stress.

Depression can make you feel like a different person. “I’m depressed all the time,” one member said. “I’m not the same person I used to be.” Another shared that they were in a vicious circle with their depression: “I am just so depressed today, and then I feel more crappy about the fact I feel that way and have no motivation.”

Some members tie this health problem directly to PCOS, like someone who said, “I hate how PCOS comes with depression and mood disorders. … It just sucks. I literally feel depressed for no reason.”

2. Infertility

Infertility is another condition myPCOSteam members commonly discuss, with at least 17,600 members saying they've dealt with it.

Some people find this journey very painful, like the member who asked, “Does life ever get better? Does the pain and sorrow of infertility ever go away?” Others do a lot of work to try to cope with the chance of infertility. One shared, “I’m trying to stay positive, but it's hard hearing about infertility and that the odds of getting pregnant are low.”

Even with a lot of options available, infertility can delay or derail the desire to have a child. “This whole infertility journey is really getting to me,” a member explained. “I’m resistant to fertility medication and now am coming to terms with the fact that IVF is my only option. I’m devastated at the fact it’s not going to happen as soon as I’d like.”

3. Weight Gain

With more than 13,000 members saying they experience weight gain, it’s a common experience on myPCOSteam. People who live with PCOS can gain weight for a number of reasons.

This can be frustrating. “My weight … I just can’t get it under control,” said one member. Another added, “I literally feel like I gain weight every time I breathe.”

Sometimes, the weight gain can be significant. If you feel that you’re struggling with higher body weight, talk to your health care provider. One member in this situation explained, “My endocrinologist is good, but she wants me to lose more weight. I’ve lost almost 20 to 30 pounds over the last three years, but I still need to lose more weight.”

4. Migraine Attacks

Migraine attacks are severe headaches that can come with visual disturbances, called auras, and might only occur on one side of the head. They can also cause other symptoms. Almost 12,000 members at myPCOSteam have reported migraine attacks.

As one put it, “I don’t ever have a regular headache. It’s always a migraine.” These can be debilitating, like they were for one member who shared, “My migraines have been kicking my butt lately.”

Sometimes, migraine headaches come alongside other symptoms. “This week has been the most emotional week with the worst everlasting migraine on earth,” one member explained. “I’ve been experiencing hot flashes followed by intense, insane, debilitating migraines.”

5. Anxiety

Anxiety is another mental health issue that can be a symptom of PCOS. Nearly 11,000 members of myPCOSteam have experienced anxiety. Anxiety often causes people to feel worried about something, even if there isn’t a specific reason to be worried.

Several team members have discussed significant anxiety symptoms. “Does anyone else have anxiety that makes them think they're having a heart attack?” one asked. Another added, “I had a pretty severe anxiety attack late last month and had to go to the ER.”

Others find even daily tasks can produce anxiety. As one member put it, “Getting groceries was anxiety-inducing, but I managed to get it done.”

Some team members tie their anxiety to the hormonal changes that can occur with PCOS. One shared, “My hormonal feeling of constant anxiety is making me so depressed.” This can make it even harder to live with PCOS.

You’re Not Alone With PCOS

At myPCOSteam, you’ll find the social network for people with PCOS and their loved ones. On myPCOSteam, more than 71,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PCOS.

What are your most common PCOS symptoms? Do you have any of the symptoms on this list? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.