Understanding PCOS
What is PCOS/PMOS? A clear, no-jargon explanation
What PCOS is, how it shows up, and what to do next.
From ₹1,490 · sample collected at home
- Qualified gynaecologists
- At-home sample collection
- Reports usually in 24 hours*
- One coordinated plan
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. The name points to cysts, but PCOS/PMOS is really a whole-body hormonal and metabolic condition that can show up in the ovaries, the skin, the cycle and the metabolism.
It's very common, very manageable, and very often misunderstood. This guide explains what PCOS is, why it happens, and what you can do about it - in plain language.
The essentials
What the name means
'Polycystic' refers to the many small follicles that can show on an ovarian scan, 'ovary' to where they sit, and 'syndrome' to the cluster of features that appear together. You don't need visible cysts to have PCOS.
What causes it
The exact cause isn't fully known, but two things shape much of it: raised androgens (male-type hormones) and insulin resistance. Genetics play a part too - PCOS often runs in families.
How it's diagnosed
PCOS is diagnosed from a combination of irregular cycles, signs of raised androgens (like acne or unwanted hair), and often an ultrasound - not a single test. A gynaecologist puts the picture together.
How Tvarvi helps
A proper diagnosis
We confirm PCOS carefully with the right tests and history, rather than labelling every irregular cycle as PCOS.
Care for the whole picture
Because PCOS touches hormones, metabolism, skin and cycle, your plan addresses them together.
Built around you
PCOS looks different in everyone; your plan is shaped by your symptoms and labs, not a template.
What's included
- A gynaecologist consultation, as part of the PCOS Assessment (₹1,490)
- The hormone and metabolic tests your symptoms call for
- At-home sample collection
- A personalised plan on your dashboard
- Coordinated follow-up if you want ongoing care
PCOS Assessment
₹1,490
A gynaecologist consult and the tests your symptoms need, collected at home.
Common questions
What is the full form of PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - a common hormonal condition where raised androgens and often insulin resistance affect the cycle, skin and metabolism.
What are the main symptoms of PCOS?
Irregular or missed periods, acne, unwanted facial or body hair, hair thinning, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving. Most women have some of these, not all.
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but raised androgens, insulin resistance and genetics are the main factors. It arises from your biology - it's not your fault, and it's very manageable.
Is PCOS curable?
PCOS is managed rather than cured, but symptoms can improve so much that it barely affects daily life. The right plan can make a real difference.
At what age does PCOS start?
It often appears around the teenage years or twenties, when cycles should be settling, but it can be recognised at any reproductive age.
Read more
From the health library
The 4 Types of PCOS/PMOS - And How to Tell Which One You Have
Two women with the same PCOS/PMOS diagnosis can look nothing alike. There are four recognised phenotypes (A, B, C, D), and which one you have changes your symptoms, your risks and your treatment. Here is how to work out where you fit.
Read article
Do I Have PCOS/PMOS? A Symptom-by-Symptom Self-Check
PCOS/PMOS affects roughly 1 in 8 women, and most go undiagnosed for over two years. This symptom-by-symptom self-check helps you see whether the scattered things you have noticed form a pattern worth getting assessed.
Read article
Can You Have PCOS/PMOS With Regular Periods?
Up to 1 in 5 women with PCOS/PMOS have completely regular periods. The condition runs its full program while the period arrives every month, giving everyone the wrong impression that everything is fine.
Read articleKeep reading
Find out what's behind it
See a gynaecologist
PCOS Assessment, ₹1,490. Home lab tests, then your consult.
This page is educational and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Any diagnosis or prescription is made only by your treating clinician based on your case. *Timelines depend on collection and lab processing. Individual results vary. Terms apply.