Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects the body in many ways. The signs and symptoms of PCOS aren’t always clear-cut, but they can make it difficult to have a healthy lifestyle. Due to its side effects, PCOS could develop into more serious conditions such as diabetes, infertility, and heart disease if left untreated. Getting tested and appropriately treated can help you lead a healthy, energetic, happy life. 

PCOS Can Have Noticeable Effects on The Body

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women. It can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and infertility. PCOS can be diagnosed through blood tests and ultrasound scans of the ovaries.

Painful Periods

Painful periods are a common symptom of PCOS. Because of the excess production of androgens, the follicles that contain your eggs can become overstimulated and damaged. This ruptures them, which leads to excessive bleeding and pain.

Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS have menstrual cramps, according to a study in Fertility & Sterility (this number is much higher than the general population). The pain is usually most severe on the first day or two of menstruation, but it may continue throughout your period until you start bleeding again.

If you have heavy bleeding or other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting along with your painful periods, talk to your doctor about treatment options that may help reduce how bad they feel—birth control pills can help you manage the symptoms but aren’t tackling the root of the problem. So make sure you get comprehensive testing done to better understand your health status. 

Infertility

PCOS can cause infertility. The condition affects menstrual cycles, leading to irregular periods and ovulation failure. This can lead to a buildup of follicles on the ovaries that do not release eggs during ovulation, creating cysts that appear as small bumps on the outer edges of the ovaries. If you have PCOS, you may notice these symptoms as well:

• Infertility
• Irregular bleeding
• Weight gain (or difficulty losing weight)

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is the abnormal growth of body hair in a male distribution, such as facial hair. About 70% of women with PCOS exhibit hirsutism, which is thought to be caused by high testosterone levels.

Some women may also experience excessive hair growth on their chest or back (“peach fuzz”). Hirsutism is not considered a symptom unique to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it can be one sign that an individual has the condition.

The cause of hirsutism can be genetic: if your mother had PCOS, you have an increased risk of developing symptoms yourself. Some women find out they have PCOS after experiencing different symptoms for years or even decades before finally being diagnosed with the condition.

Acne and Oily Skin

Acne and oily skin are some of the most common symptoms of PCOS, in addition to the previously mentioned ones. The cause of acne is not fully understood but it is thought that it could be due to changes in hormones. In women with PCOS, high levels of male hormones (androgens) lead to the overgrowth of acne lesions, mostly due to an overgrowth of bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes. This can result in inflammatory pimples or cystic lesions that are hard to treat because they lay deep in the skin and are difficult to extract and prevent.

It’s important to remember that not all people with PCOS have acne; however, it is fairly common among them. If you experience persistent breakouts despite treatment, you should see a dermatologist who may prescribe stronger topical medications or oral antibiotics if necessary (not an excuse for popping every pill that comes your way).

Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS and is believed to be caused by the hormone imbalances associated with the condition. If you are experiencing rapid weight gain, it is important to monitor your weight changes often and maintain a healthy diet. 

Some dietary changes that can help manage your weight include:

• Increasing your fiber intake by including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try adding them to most of your meals for satiety with low caloric content. These foods provide many nutrients that will also improve your overall health! 
• Reducing your fat intake (even if it’s from healthy sources) since fats are the most calorie-dense foods, meaning they have many calories in a small serving size.
• Avoiding refined sugars (cookies, ice cream, chocolate bars, table sugar, etc.), fast food, and other ultra-processed foods (chips, microwavable meals, sausages, ham, etc.).
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least 50 Oz. of water daily. This will help you feel satiated and prevent fluid retention. 

In addition to dietary changes, working out will help you manage your weight and improve your overall health. Exercise burns calories, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, and lowers your sugar and lipid levels in the blood.

Male-pattern Baldness or Thinning Hair

Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair are other classic symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hair loss is caused by a hormone imbalance that occurs in PCOS. Stress, a bad diet, or hormonal changes can trigger this hormone imbalance. 

The good news is that there are ways to combat hair loss caused by PCOS if you’re willing to make some lifestyle changes or receive professional help from your doctor. Medications such as finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil (Rogaine) may be prescribed to promote regrowth; however, these medications only slow down further hair loss and do not actually restore it once it has been lost. For permanent results after experiencing extensive thinning due to genetics or disease, you’ll need surgical intervention such as transplant surgery where healthy follicles taken from your scalp will be grafted onto areas of thinning growth while others are left untouched so they remain in their natural state without any disturbance whatsoever.

Darkening of Skin, Particularly Along Neck Creases, Groin, And Underneath Breasts

Another sign of PCOS is the darkening of your skin, particularly along the neck crease and the groin. When you have this symptom, it means that you have too much testosterone in your body or you are developing insulin resistance.

The skin on your face and arms isn’t affected by this symptom. But if you notice a darkening anywhere else on your body—your underarms, between breasts, or around the groin area—you should get tested and speak with your doctor for further testing and treatment. 

Conclusion

The symptoms of PCOS are many and sometimes difficult to manage, but treatments are available. If you think you may have PCOS, get your hormones and overall health biomarkers tested. If your results are abnormal or your symptoms persist, discuss them with your doctor for further testing and treatment that best suits your needs. 

Key Takeaways

• PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects women.
• PCOS, if left untreated, can worsen over time and result in more severe conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Some symptoms and conditions associated with PCOS include painful periods, acne, hirsutism, weight gain, and infertility.
• If you believe you might have PCOS get your blood tested and speak to your doctor about your results and symptoms. Your doctor will guide you through further testing and treatment that suits your needs.