It makes total sense to want a clear, simple way to explain PCOS—especially because it can feel confusing and a bit overwhelming when you’re living it. You’re doing a really good thing by getting informed and bringing your partner into it. It has effects on partners in the relationship, not just yourself.

PCOS in plain English

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a very common hormone condition that affects how the ovaries work.

Here’s the simplest way to describe it:

1) “My ovaries have lots of follicles, but they don’t always release an egg”

People with PCOS often, but not always, have many small follicles (tiny “egg sacs”) in the ovaries.
They can look like “cysts” on an ultrasound, but they aren’t usually true cysts—it’s more like the ovaries are “stocked up,” and the eggs don’t mature and release as regularly.

What that can feel like day-to-day: periods that are irregular, unpredictable, or missing.

2) “Ovulation can be irregular—so timing is harder”

Because ovulation (releasing an egg) may happen less often or unpredictably, cycles can be longer or inconsistent.
This is one reason PCOS can make it harder to conceive, not because pregnancy is impossible, but because ovulation is harder to predict.

3) “Insulin resistance is often part of the picture”

A lot of people with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning the body needs more insulin than usual to manage blood sugar. Higher insulin can then nudge the ovaries to make more androgens (hormones like testosterone).

What that can feel like: energy dips, intense cravings, feeling “wired then tired,” or trouble feeling stable between meals (everyone’s experience varies).

4) “Higher androgens can show up in visible ways”

Those higher androgens can contribute to things like:

• acne or oily skin
• facial/body hair growth
• thinning scalp hair
• sometimes weight changes (not always, and it’s not a personal failure)

5) “It can affect mood too—and it’s not ‘all in your head’”

Living with fluctuating hormones, fatigue, and uncertainty can affect mood, anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence. That’s a real part of PCOS for many people.

A partner friendly script you can literally use

“PCOS is a hormone condition where my ovaries don’t always release an egg regularly. That can make my periods unpredictable and can affect fertility timing. A lot of PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, which can also affect energy and cravings. It’s manageable, but it’s a real physical thing—not just stress—and support helps.”

Gentle, grounded reassurance

PCOS is common (often cited around 6–15% of reproductive-age women, depending on criteria), and there are multiple ways to support it—usually starting with lifestyle foundations, and sometimes medication or targeted supplements with a clinician’s guidance.

For in depth review we suggest you look at Teede HJ, et al. International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of PCOS (2018; updated 2023). Human Reproduction / Monash University guideline group.