Women's health

Endometriosis and PCOS

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Understanding the differences between PCOS and endometriosis

It is possible to experience both endometriosis and PCOS, this occurs in around 7.7% of people. Learn about the differences between the conditions, what happens if you have both and whether this can impact your fertility.

Reviewed by: Connie Whewall, Pharmacist

Published: August 2024

Next review: August 2027

Connie Whewall, Lead Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy.
What is the difference between endometriosis and PCOS?

Endometriosis and PCOS are two different gynaecological conditions that affect female reproductive organs.

In approximately 7.7% of cases, women can experience both conditions, but it is more common to have one or the other.

Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of your womb (endothelium) grows in other places in your body, for example in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or outside of the womb. This tissue builds up each month and then sheds internally, being reabsorbed by your body.

Endometriosis is a common condition and approximately 1.5 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with endometriosis. However, because endometriosis is difficult to diagnose and sometimes has no symptoms, the real number is likely to be higher.1

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition impacting the ovaries. Approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK have PCOS.

Usually, your ovaries produce small follicles where your eggs are made. An egg is released every month during ovulation (your fertile window). If you have PCOS, your follicles are underdeveloped and so your eggs aren’t released. This can have an impact on your fertility.2

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis symptoms include:

  • Extremely painful periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Pain when going to the toilet
  • Lack of energy and fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Depression and anxiety.3
What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms include:

  • Irregular periods or absent periods
  • Fertility problems
  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss or thinning
  • Hair growth on face, neck or chest that is more than usual.2

If you have any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your GP and they can investigate whether you have either condition and discuss potential treatment options with you.

What can I do to manage symptoms of endometriosis?

You can manage your endometriosis symptoms by:

  • Living a healthy lifestyle and eating well
  • Using contraceptive medicine to reduce pain and other symptoms
  • Taking regular anti-inflammatories and pain medications
  • Having a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy.3
What can I do to manage symptoms of PCOS?

You can manage your PCOS symptoms by:

  • Living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthily
  • Taking medication to help with ovulation
  • Taking medication to help with hair growth and acne
  • Surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling.5,6

Can I get pregnant if I have endometriosis or PCOS?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with either condition.

For people with endometriosis, you can still conceive naturally. 7 However, if you have PCOS you either don’t ovulate or ovulate irregularly, making it more difficult to conceive.6

If you are trying to get pregnant with PCOS, speak to your doctor about treatment. You may be able to take medication to make you ovulate every month or have surgery to improve how your ovaries produce eggs.6

A pregnant woman sitting on her bed.
Where can I get more support?

The Endometriosis Foundation

Information, education and support to address the challenges experienced by people living with endometriosis.

Verity

Get information and support for PCOS online and in your local area.

NHS

Information on the signs, symptoms and treatment of endometriosis.

Endometriosis UK

Learn about endometriosis, the management techniques you can use in your daily life and where to get support in your local area.
References
  1. What is endometriosis? | Endometriosis UK. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-endometriosis?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccK2MB1gqffaZ7T5EIGUXIZavns_XlF00caonF4de2f8GfzzwSPAzEhoCIxwQAvD_BwE
  2. Polycystic ovary syndrome - Symptoms. nhs.uk. Published October 27, 2017. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/symptoms/
  3. Endometriosis. Accessed June 28, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
  4. Hager M, Wenzl R, Riesenhuber S, et al. The Prevalence of Incidental Endometriosis in Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling for Clomiphene-Resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2019;8(8):1210. doi:10.3390/jcm8081210
  5. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Accessed April 16, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
  6. Polycystic ovary syndrome - Treatment. nhs.uk. Published October 20, 2017. Accessed January 24, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/
  7. Endometriosis, fertility and pregnancy | Endometriosis UK. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-fertility-and-pregnancy
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