P.C.O.S.

(also: polycystic ovary spectrum, polycystic ovary syndrome)

Introduction
General Information
Flags

PCOS Pride Flag
PCOS & Intersex Pride Flag
PCOS Maned Lioness Pride Flag

External Links

Flags Resources
Additional Resources

Introduction

For the purposes of organization, PCOS is included on the list of intersex variations on the intersex page. However, there is some debate as to whether or not having PCOS makes someone intersex. Some people with PCOS consider themselves to be intersex while others do not.

If you come across terms or phrases with which you are unfamiliar, please utilize the alphabet menu buttons above to navigate your way to a relevant explanation. Clicking on underlined words or phrases will bring you to a relevant section of The Transgender Dictionary.

Click to return to table of contents.

General Information

Someone with PCOS has XX chromosomes, and is generally born with a uterus, a vulva, ovaries, and a vagina. Later in life, the ovaries often produce higher-than-typcial levels of androgens, like testosterone. PCOS is a common cause of hyperandrogenism, however not everyone with PCOS has hyperandrogenism.

This variation in hormone production can result in the development of some characteristics such as body and facial hair. It can also interfere with the process of ovulation, meaning that some people with PCOS will have irregular periods, or no ovulation. They may struggle to become pregnant if they want to.

Some people with PCOS may have small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on their ovaries, but some do not. Despite the name of this intersex variation, ovarian cysts are not a requirement for someone to be diagnosed with PCOS. Signs of PCOS generally don't show up until the person in question starts menstruating or potentially later into adulthood.

Click to return to table of contents.

Flags

PCOS Pride Flag

This is a teal flag with a white circle. Teal is a color that is commonly used to promote PCOS awareness. The teal represents healing and community. The circle in the middle of the flag represents wholeness and encourages a lack of shame over your body and appearance. The color white was chosen to represent how PCOS can affect invididuals of all genders.

This flag was created by tumblr user aestheticlgbtq in December of 2020.

Click to return to table of contents.

PCOS & Intersex Pride Flag

This flag is used to represent those with PCOS who identify with the label of intersex. The flag consists of four horizontal lines in yellow, light yellow, light teal, and teal. There are two circles at the center of the flag. The inner circle is purple, like that of the intersex flag, and the outer circle is white, like that of the PCOS flag.

This flag was created by tumblr user sproutflags in May of 2023.

Click to return to table of contents.

PCOS Maned Lioness Pride Flag

This flag is used by people with PCOS who identify with maned lionesses. This flag is inclusive towards those with pcos who do not identify as perisex or intersex.

This flag was created in September of 2025 by tumblr user moonlight-flags.

Click to return to table of contents.

External Links

The resources below have been provided for education, information sourcing, and entertainment purposes. The views expressed in these videos, websites, etc, do not inherently reflect those of The Transgender Dictionary. These resources are not sponsored, nor endorsed.