How do I regulate my periods with PCOS?

Bottom lineRegulate PCOS periods by combining lifestyle steps - a healthy weight, blood-sugar-steadying diet, and exercise to improve insulin resistance - with medical options like the combined pill, a hormonal IUD, or cyclical progestogen that give regular bleeds and protect the womb lining; ovulation-inducing medicines are used if trying to conceive, and you should see a clinician if you have fewer than about 4 periods a year.

PCOS often causes irregular or missing periods because ovulation is disrupted. Regulating them usually combines lifestyle changes with medical options - and treating irregular cycles also protects the uterine lining over the long term.

Lifestyle steps

• Reach or maintain a healthy weight - even modest weight loss can restore more regular ovulation if you're overweight
• Eat to steady blood sugar and exercise regularly to improve insulin resistance
• Manage stress and sleep, which influence hormones

Medical options (with a clinician)

• The combined pill or other hormonal methods can give regular, predictable bleeds and protect the womb lining
• A hormonal IUD or cyclical progestogen are alternatives
• If you're trying to conceive, medicines that induce ovulation are used instead
• Medication that improves insulin sensitivity may help in some cases

Why regular bleeds matter

With infrequent periods, the womb lining can build up over time, which raises long-term risks - so clinicians often recommend ensuring you have regular bleeds even if you're not trying to conceive.

When to see a doctor

See a clinician if you have fewer than around 4 periods a year, very unpredictable cycles, or you're trying to conceive.

See how does PCOS affect your period for background.

Femora helps you track your cycles so you and your clinician can see your pattern and how treatment is helping.