Most common signs of PCOS.

04 Jul

Not sure if you’re living with PCOS? Here are the most common signs.

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal syndrome that is experienced by women of reproductive age- almost every 1 in 3 women is suffering from PCOS. It is associated with different types of symptoms; however, the most common ones are irregular periods, difficulty in losing weight, and presence of excessive male hormones leading to acne, hair fall and increase in facial hair. PCOS is also one of the primary reasons for infertility in women. Since numerous cysts are formed in the ovaries, it is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is a chronic condition that lingers throughout reproductive life.

So, what actually causes PCOS?

Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, however many attribute PCOS as a genetic disorder, co-existing thyroid imbalance, severe sudden trauma leading to prolonged stress, and sudden excessive weight gain. Too much exercising can also lead to PCOS.
In women living with PCOS, the ovaries form multiple cysts, which secrete excessive male hormone, which in turn causes an imbalance in hormones, resulting in irregularity in periods, acne, weight gain and difficulty in conception.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of PCOS that every woman should know:

  1. Although the menstrual cycle may be normal at the onset, however, it may eventually become irregular.
  2. Since PCOS directly affects ovulation (the eggs are turned into cysts before they are matured and released) women suffering from PCOS may face infertility or difficulty in conception. Many a times recurrent miscarriages may also result from PCOS.
  3. Hirsutism is common. This is when hair growth follows a male pattern due to excessive secretion of male hormone. Thick and dark pigmented hair growth is seen in the upper lips, chin, around nipples and lower abdomen, and excessive thinning of hair on scalp.
  4. Excessive male hormone also leads to acne especially along the jaw lines.
  5. Male pattern balding is also noticed in many women suffering from PCOS.
  6. Other common symptoms in PCOS include insulin resistance, obesity and excessive weight gain, and high blood pressure in the long run, which leads to Metabolic Syndrome.
  7. Insulin resistance and a rise in insulin level in the blood is one of the primary symptoms in most of the women living with PCOS.
  8. Having an abnormal blood lipid is also common among PCOS women.
  9. Women suffering from PCOS are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes.
  10. Although not scientifically established, but women suffering from PCOS are at the risk of developing coronary heart disease because of elevated level of C-reactive protein, elevated cholesterol and LDL level.
  11. Hair loss is another commonly seen symptom among women with PCOS.

Prevention and treatment of PCOS:

If you’re planning for pregnancy for some time without being successful, PCOS could be a reason. Check with your gynaecologist to rule out PCOS. Even if you are diagnosed with PCOS, you shouldn’t feel low. Ovulation can be achieved with moderate weight loss, lifestyle change, oral medications and minor surgeries. Since the cause of PCOS is not known, there is no way one can prevent PCOS.