Before we dive in, let’s get real: PCOS and periods don’t follow the rulebook. Some months it’s late, some months it’s heavy, and sometimes it ghosts you completely. And while it can leave you feeling like your body’s broken, you’re not alone - and you’re definitely not the problem. Let’s unpack what’s really going on so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling more in control.
Understanding PCOS and Periods
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is way more common than most people realise - around 1 in 10 of us with a uterus are living with it. And yet, so many of us are left guessing about why our periods feel all over the place.
PCOS messes with ovulation thanks to hormone imbalances, like higher levels of androgens (that’s testosterone and friends) and insulin resistance. That hormonal chaos often leads to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or sometimes no periods at all. And while doctors often focus on fertility, these symptoms impact so much more: energy, self-esteem, even mental health.
So if your cycle doesn’t look like the “perfect” 28 days, hear this: you’re not broken. PCOS just doesn’t play by the rules.
Irregular Periods and PCOS
Irregular periods aren’t just annoying; they’re your body waving a big flag that ovulation isn’t happening regularly.
In PCOS, follicles in the ovaries often don’t mature like they should, which means eggs don’t get released when expected - or at all. That’s why some people with PCOS only bleed a handful of times a year, while others get caught off guard with unpredictable cycles. Not knowing when (or if) a period will show up makes planning anything tricky, whether that’s sports, travel, or just everyday life.
Research shows irregular cycles are linked to fertility challenges too (NIH: PCOS and Reproductive Health). But let’s be real: it’s not just about fertility. It’s about the stress and frustration of never knowing when you’ll need a hot water bottle or your emergency stash of chocolate.
⭐️Tip! If your period is irregular and you just never know when it might appear, make period pants an everyday thing. Wear them like normal underwear, and never get caught short. We recommend our award winning Stretch™️ for the ultimate fit no matter where you are in your (seemingly never-ending) cycle.
Heavy Bleeding and PCOS
If you’ve ever gone months without a period and then been hit with one that feels like it’ll never end, you’re not imagining it. With PCOS, skipped ovulation means the uterine lining builds up for longer, so when it finally sheds, it can come with heavy, prolonged bleeding. We’re not talking a “slightly heavier flow.” We’re talking flooding through pads, changing every hour, feeling exhausted, and worrying about leaking through your clothes. WUKA period pants for Super Heavy Flow, anyone?
This isn’t just a hassle - it can lead to low iron and affect your health long term too.
When Periods Go Missing
Then there’s the other side of PCOS: when periods vanish completely. Missing periods (amenorrhea) doesn’t mean your body is “fine” or “taking a break” - it means hormones are out of balance. And while a break from bleeding might sound like a blessing at first, skipped periods can cause serious health issues down the line.
Doctors often prescribe progesterone to help reset cycles, but emotionally, the whole “will it, won’t it” cycle is exhausting. Especially if you’re thinking about having kids, it can feel like your body is working against you.
Living with PCOS
Here’s the truth: PCOS isn’t just a period problem. It’s a condition that ripples out into every part of life - hormones, cycles, mood, energy, even confidence.
Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, missing cycles… they’re all part of the PCOS picture, but so is the mental load of managing something that often feels out of your control. The best way to live with it? A mix of medical care, lifestyle support, nutrition, and finding products that make your day-to-day easier.
Research shows that early diagnosis and compassionate management can make a huge difference. That’s why at WUKA, we’re here to help you face whatever your period throws your way. Whether it’s a surprise bleed, a heavy flow, or months of nothing - your body isn’t failing you. It’s just doing its own thing, and you deserve period care that’s ready for it.
The bottom line on PCOS and periods
PCOS can be messy, unpredictable, and honestly exhausting. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Share this with a friend who might need to hear it, talk to your GP if something doesn’t feel right, and remember - there’s a whole community out here who gets it. And when you want period care that has your back (literally), WUKA’s here with undies that keep up with your flow, not the so‑called “normal” one.