10 Signs You May Have PCOS

Do you think you may have PCOS? You could be one of the 1 in 10 women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. The Office on Women’s Health states that PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.

It’s hard to believe that you could have PCOS and not know it. But the symptoms of this condition can be subtle and hard to spot, especially if you don’t know what to look for.

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, and it affects all kinds of women, including those who are just getting started in their reproductive lives. It’s also common among women who’ve been using hormonal birth control for a long time (more than 5 years). It is a condition in which the ovaries produce too much androgen (a male sex hormone). The name of the syndrome describes the sac-like cysts that sit on the ovaries of women with PCOS. However, not everyone with PCOS develops cysts.

There are many symptoms that can suggest that you may have PCOS and it is important to get these checked out with your doctor to make sure you are getting the treatment you need. Read more to find out 10 signs that you may have PCOS:

Irregular periods

Have you been wondering why your period just isn’t normal?

One of the most common symptoms that can point towards having PCOS is period irregularity. This means you may not even have a period or have your periods spaced out at irregular intervals. When on your period, it might be very heavy or very light. You may even have spotting between periods.

If this sounds like you, it’s time to talk to your doctor about getting tested for PCOS!

Infertility

If you’re having trouble conceiving and want to know if PCOS may be the cause, it’s important to understand what this condition is and how it affects your body.

As one of the most common causes of infertility, this means it may be due to PCOS. In fact, 1 in 5 women who have difficulty conceiving have PCOS. Due to the release of the male hormone androgens, your ovaries may not release an egg that can allow you to get pregnant.

Because of PCOS, your body may not produce enough progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy.

Excessive Hair

The presence of excessive hair growth in areas such as the jaw, chest, back, and buttocks is another sign you may be dealing with PCOS. Better known as ‘Hirsutism’, these hairs are dark and coarse like mens (we have the male androgen hormones to thank for that!).

A common misconception about Hirsutism is that it only occurs on a woman’s face or chest area. This is not true. In fact, women with PCOS often develop excess hair growth all over their bodies including the armpits, upper lip and chin area, arms and legs.

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms above then it may be worth speaking with your doctor to get tested for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Thinning Hair

While PCOS can cause overgrowth of hair in different areas of the body, it can also cause thinning of the hair on the scalp. This is known as androgenic alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia is caused by increased levels of male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones are responsible for hair growth on your body.

However, high levels of these hormones result in high production of scalp cells called dermal papillae, which causes the hair follicle to shrink and eventually fall out. This results in thinning of your hair and eventual baldness if left untreated.

Acne

If you notice a sudden change in your skin, it could be a sign that you are dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This hormonal imbalance can affect your body in a number of ways, including causing acne on your face, chest, and upper back. The severity of the acne can vary from person to person. The first thing to look out for is an increase in oil production. This can cause acne to appear on the face and chest, as well as clogged pores and blackheads on the upper back. Another sign of this imbalance is dryness; this could be due to low levels of estrogen or high levels of testosterone. The third major symptom is inflammation—this can lead to redness, swelling, or even scarring if left unchecked!

Weight gain

Weight gain is common for those dealing with PCOS, even if there isn’t a change in diet. The truth is that weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS. Women who are obese are also susceptible to having PCOS with worse symptoms.

If you’re dealing with PCOS, you may be wondering how to manage your weight.

While there are no specific diet recommendations for women who have PCOS, one thing you can do is make sure that you eat a balanced diet and get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week.

If you have PCOS and have been trying to lose weight but aren’t seeing results, it’s possible that your hormones are to blame. Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods, which can make it difficult to lose weight.

Dark Skin Patches

PCOS can cause changes in appearance of skin.  Dark, velvety patches around the arms, neck, and groin area are called acanthosis nigricans. Usually caused by insulin resistance due to PCOS, this can be easily treated.

Some women with PCOS experience acanthosis nigricans (AN), a darkening of the skin that occurs in the folds of the armpits, neck, groin or under the breasts. While AN is not a serious condition, it can be distressing for women who experience it. AN usually appears as velvety brown or black patches that vary in size from less than an inch to several inches across. The dark patches often have a rough texture and may itch or feel rough to the touch.

Acanthosis nigricans most often affects people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. But women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also develop it because they tend to have higher levels of insulin and insulin resistance than women without PCOS do.

Skin Tags

You might be surprised to find out that skin tags are a possible symptom, although a less common one. While most of the time this condition is characterized by dark patches of skin and facial hair, it’s not uncommon for people with PCOS to develop skin tags too.

These little flaps of extra skin usually appear anywhere on the body—including on the neck or face—and can be removed relatively easily. If they’re causing discomfort or aren’t something you want to look at every day, talk to your dermatologist about getting them removed.

Pelvic Pain

You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.

Pelvic pain is a common symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

The cysts that form with PCOS can cause pelvic pain, described an ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen. It’s a symptom that many women with PCOS experience, and it can be really hard to treat—but it’s also one of the easiest symptoms to treat once you know what you’re dealing with.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, talk to your doctor. If they don’t seem to be able to help or know what’s going on, get a second opinion—and if they still don’t have any answers for you, keep looking until someone does!

Mood Disorders

Women with PCOS are three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than their counterparts. This is not just a statistic, it’s a reality that can have a huge impact on your life.

Women with PCOS deal with symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, and unwanted facial hair. But did you know that they also have an increased chance of developing mood-related disorders like depression, anxiety, even eating disorders?

The numbers speak for themselves: ¼ of women who deal with PCOS often have mood-related disorders. And this isn’t just a statistic—it’s real life! This can include depression, anxiety, even eating disorders, and more. A study done in 2016 showed that women with PCOS were three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than their counterparts.