PCOS After Pregnancy: Can It Really Go Away?

Many women spend nine months hoping that pregnancy will act as a “biological reset” for their polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While it’s true that the surge of pregnancy hormones can make your skin glow and your cycles feel like a thing of the past, the reality is more complex: PCOS does not always go away after pregnancy. It can be a lifelong condition, and for many, the postpartum period is when the real hormonal work begins.

Why do some symptoms disappear while others bounce back with a vengeance? And can the stress of a new baby actually “unmask” PCOS in women who never had it before? Understanding the shift in your endocrine system after birth is the key to regaining control of your body.

Postpartum PCOS: Key Takeaways

• Hormonal Shift: Pregnancy hormones (estrogen/progesterone) often temporarily suppress androgens, providing a “honeymoon phase” for skin and hair symptoms.
• Mental Health: PCOS increases the risk of postpartum depression by nearly 45% due to the intersection of metabolic health, hormonal health and brain chemistry.
• Metabolic Reset: Insulin resistance often peaks postpartum due to cortisol spikes from sleep deprivation and the physical stress of recovery.
• Breastfeeding: High androgen levels can cause a 24–48 hour delay in milk “coming in” (delayed lactogenesis).

Why PCOS symptoms may change during pregnancy

Pregnancy creates a unique hormonal environment that often brings temporary relief from PCOS symptoms. Your body ramps up estrogen and progesterone production to support your growing baby, and these elevated female hormones naturally suppress the androgens (male hormones) that drive many PCOS symptoms.

This explains why your skin might clear up, excess hair growth slows down, and other troublesome symptoms seem to disappear during pregnancy. It’s your body’s natural way of creating the best possible environment for your baby.

What research says about PCOS postpartum

After delivery, hormone levels take another dramatic turn. Many women find their PCOS symptoms return—sometimes more intensely than before. Studies show that women who had more severe PCOS symptoms before pregnancy often experience a more pronounced return of those symptoms postpartum.

The mental health aspect deserves special attention. Research reveals women with PCOS face a 45% higher risk of postpartum depression. Factors like BMI and maternal age influence how each woman experiences this transition, making individual assessment crucial.

Can pregnancy help PCOS long-term?

Some research offers genuine hope for lasting improvements. The LIPCOS study found something interesting: mothers with PCOS had lower testosterone levels (67.6% of normal upper limits) compared to women without children (80% of normal upper limits). Women who gave birth also reported shorter menstrual cycles and more regular lifestyles than those who hadn’t become mothers.

While PCOS persists as a condition, certain symptoms might improve long-term after motherhood. Maintaining a healthy weight remains critical, since postpartum studies show obesity worsens insulin resistance regardless of PCOS status.

Concerned about your PCOS symptoms after delivery? Take Premom’s PCOS self-assessment to better understand your current status and work with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate management plan.

Can You Develop PCOS After Having a Baby?

The weeks and months following delivery bring a unique set of challenges as your body transitions away from pregnancy’s protective hormonal environment. While those nine months may have offered welcome relief from PCOS symptoms, the postpartum period often tells a different story.

Common symptoms that return or worsen

The reality is straightforward: when pregnancy hormones plummet after delivery, PCOS symptoms typically make their comeback. The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone allows androgens to regain their influence. For many women, this means watching familiar challenges resurface—irregular cycles, breakouts, and unwanted hair growth that seemed to disappear during pregnancy.

Women who dealt with more severe PCOS symptoms before conceiving often find their symptoms return with even greater intensity during the postpartum months. This can feel particularly frustrating when you’re already adjusting to life with a new baby.

Mental health deserves special attention during this time. Studies show women with PCOS face significantly higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. 

Postpartum weight gain and insulin resistance

Weight management becomes especially complex after giving birth when you have PCOS. Interestingly, research shows women with PCOS actually retained less weight at six weeks postpartum (2.95kg) compared to women without the condition (3.96kg).

But here’s the catch: about 20% of women with PCOS still saw their BMI category increase within the first year after delivery. This happens because insulin resistance often intensifies during the postpartum period, creating what researchers call a “perfect storm” of metabolic changes.

You might notice persistent fatigue that goes beyond typical new-parent exhaustion, intense cravings for carbohydrates, and stubborn weight that seems to settle around your midsection. These aren’t character flaws—they’re biological responses to shifting insulin sensitivity.

Can you get PCOS after having a baby?

Yes, it’s possible to develop PCOS or notice PCOS symptoms for the first time after childbirth. Sometimes pregnancy and the dramatic hormonal shifts that follow can unmask endocrine issues that were previously undetected.

The major hormonal upheaval after delivery can disrupt your hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis—essentially the communication system between your brain and ovaries—potentially triggering PCOS symptoms in women who are susceptible. Combined with the weight gain, reduced physical activity, and increased stress that often accompany new parenthood, these factors can intensify insulin resistance and androgen levels, making PCOS features more prominent.

Coping with PCOS Postpartum: Physical and Emotional Health

The weeks and months after giving birth with PCOS can feel overwhelming. Your body is recovering, your hormones are shifting again, and you’re adjusting to life with a new baby—all while managing a condition that doesn’t pause for motherhood. Recognizing these unique challenges helps you navigate this period with greater confidence and self-compassion.

Dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety

Your mental health deserves extra attention during this time. Women with PCOS face a 1.76 times higher risk of postpartum depression compared to those without the condition. This isn’t just statistics—it’s a real concern that affects your daily life and ability to enjoy early motherhood.

Several factors create this increased vulnerability:

Prenatal depression and anxiety actually account for 20-32% of the increased postpartum depression risk in women with PCOS. If you experience persistent sadness, mood changes, or loss of interest in activities for more than two weeks, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s essential care for both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding with PCOS: what to expect

Breastfeeding can present unique obstacles when you have PCOS, but understanding what might happen helps you prepare and seek appropriate support. The most common challenge is delayed lactogenesis—your milk may come in 24-48 hours later than expected. This happens because:

• High androgen levels can interfere with mammary gland development
• Insulin resistance affects the energy metabolism needed for milk production
• Higher BMI can compound lactation difficulties 

Even after your milk comes in, maintaining adequate supply can be challenging. Some women with PCOS have underdeveloped breast tissue due to hormonal disruptions during puberty. High insulin levels postpartum can also interfere with the fat-burning processes essential for lactation.

Here’s what’s important to remember: not every woman with PCOS struggles with breastfeeding. Working with a lactation consultant who understands PCOS-related challenges makes a significant difference in your success.

Building a support system for recovery

Creating strong support networks becomes crucial when managing PCOS postpartum. Effective support includes multiple layers:

• Healthcare professionals – A coordinated team of specialists who understand the complex challenges of postpartum PCOS 
• Family and friends who grasp your condition and offer practical help with childcare and household tasks
• Support groups that connect you with other mothers facing similar experiences
• Online communities provide 24/7 access to others who truly understand your journey 

Consider discussing metformin continuation during breastfeeding with your healthcare provider, as it can help stabilize insulin levels, support consistent milk production, and improve your overall metabolic health.

Managing Your Metabolic Health Long-Term

Recovery isn’t just about physical healing from birth; it’s about stabilizing your hormones for the long haul.

Healthy eating and exercise routines

Weight management stays important for PCOS symptoms, but the approach matters more than the number on the scale. Focus on eating patterns you can actually maintain—plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh foods, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Timing your meals around your most active parts of the day helps optimize blood sugar control. This becomes especially important with a new baby when your schedule feels unpredictable.

Exercise offers benefits that go far beyond weight loss. When you combine healthy eating with regular movement, you’ll often see improvements in ovulation cycles and menstrual regularity. Aim for at least 250 minutes of moderate activity each week, or 150 minutes of vigorous exercise, plus strength training twice weekly.

Smart Supplementation

Many woman find that specific supplements help bridge the hormonal gap postpartum:

• Inositol: May help improve insulin sensitivity and support the return of a regular cycle.*
• Vitamin D: About 67-85% of women with PCOS have a deficiency, so supplementation is often recommended 
• Coenzyme Q10: May support egg quality and combat oxidative stress
• Fish oil: May help support regular ovulation, ovarian reserve, and insulin resistance *

Planning future pregnancies with PCOS

Thinking about expanding your family? PCOS affects fertility, so staying proactive with your health management improves your chances for future pregnancies. Keep up with the lifestyle changes that are working for you now. Continue tracking your cycles to understand your patterns—this makes timing conception attempts much easier when you’re ready.

Monitoring your child’s health if you have PCOS

Children born to mothers with PCOS may face higher risks of anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. They might also be more prone to metabolic health issues. Regular pediatric checkups throughout childhood create opportunities for early intervention if needed.

Managing PCOS long-term requires consistency, not perfection. Small, sustainable changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle often yield better results than dramatic overhauls that are hard to maintain.

PCOS is a lifelong journey that shifts during motherhood but does not disappear after childbirth. While the return of symptoms varies for every woman, you can regain control through consistent nutrition, regular movement, and a strong support network of healthcare professionals. By prioritizing your metabolic and emotional health, you can successfully manage your symptoms while embracing this new chapter of life.

PCOS After Pregnancy: Can It Really Go Away? – Frequent Asked Questions

References

Wild S, Karakas E, Doerwald F, et al. Do pregnancy and parenthood affect the course of PCO syndrome? Initial results from the LIPCOS study (Lifestyle Intervention for Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS]). Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2015;75(12):1242-1248. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1558186

Koric L, Singh RK, VanDerslice JA, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression symptoms: a population-based cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;224(6):591.e1-591.e12. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.1197

Dokras A, Alur-Gupta S, Inwald S, Flynn A, Allison KC. Postpartum complications increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2019;112(3):e185-e186. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.518