Unpredictable periods? Excess hair growth on your face, chest or back? These could be symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder many women face. PCOS is more than just a reproductive issue—it can influence your weight, skin, and mood. Issues like thinning hair, acne, and elevated blood sugar are common but often go unnoticed.
By identifying the symptoms of PCOS, you can begin to manage the condition and improve your quality of life and fertility. Learn more about the key signs of PCOS and how to manage them with early intervention.
1. Irregular Periods
While every woman’s cycle is unique, inconsistency can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. You could experience periods that come too frequently or don’t come at all. PCOS can be the cause of these issues because it can disrupt regular ovulation and cause your cycle to be unpredictable. Thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and uterine fibroids can also cause irregular periods, so your doctor will perform a hormone assessment and pelvic ultrasound to determine if PCOS is the cause. In preparation for your exam, it’s helpful to track your menstrual cycles.
2. Excess Hair Growth
Women with PCOS can experience increased levels of male hormones, or androgens. When these hormones are higher, it can cause your body to grow more hair, most noticeably on the face, chest, back, and abdomen. Excessive hair growth can also be caused by an adrenal disorder, genetics, or medications. Your doctor or endocrinologist can have blood tests performed to measure male hormone levels and determine if PCOS is causing the excess hair growth.
3. Acne or Oily Skin
An increased level of male hormones in women can also cause oily skin, along with persistent acne around the jawline and lower face. Acne can also be caused by other hormonal changes, medication, or a skin condition, so your doctor will perform a skin examination, monitor PCOS treatment response, and perform a blood test to measure hormone levels.
4. Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
If you watch your calorie intake and regularly exercise but still struggle with your weight, particularly around the abdominal area, it could be a symptom of PCOS. Hypothyroidism, endocrine disorders, and metabolic syndromes can also all be the source of weight loss struggle, and performing blood tests for thyroid function, glucose levels, and insulin resistance can rule out these potential causes. Once you determine that PCOS is wholly or partially responsible for your weight struggles, you can adjust your diet to eat the right foods for PCOS.
5. Thinning Hair or Hair Loss
Hair loss due to PCOS can look similar to male pattern baldness. Thinning hair or balding can be a sign of a thyroid disorder or autoimmune disorder, and also be due to genetics and aging. A doctor will perform thyroid function tests, hormone level assessments, or dermatological evaluation to determine the cause of your hair loss or thinning.
6. Darkened Skin Patches
Having dark, velvety patches of skin around the groin, armpits, and neck can be a sign of insulin resistance and PCOS. Insulin resistance can also be caused by several factors, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or medications that directly cause dark skin patches when applied to the skin. To determine the source of the darkening skin, a doctor will work with you to determine your insulin resistance and glucose levels. A dermatologist evaluation can also verify that another issue isn’t the cause.
7. Mood Swings and Depression
Women with PCOS-related hormonal imbalances can experience depression, anxiety, headaches or migraines, and mood swings. Many women also struggle with mental health, as the other PCOS symptoms can negatively impact self-esteem and body image. To determine if you’re experiencing mental health struggles, you may go through a mental health evaluation, hormone testing, or a stress management review. It is also essential to open up and talk with your loved ones, who can be a great support system.
8. Infertility
Women with PCOS commonly struggle with infertility. Because they experience irregular ovulation or skipped ovulations, it can be difficult to conceive. In addition, instability in their reproductive health can cause recurrent miscarriages. If you suspect that PCOS is contributing to your infertility, a doctor can perform a series of tests to confirm your PCOS diagnosis and rule out other possible issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis.
Manage Your PCOS Symptoms
PCOS can affect your health in many ways, but early diagnosis and management can help you regain control. Taking action now can make a significant difference in your well-being and fertility.
Whether you are ready to start a family or not, schedule an appointment with the team at Halo Fertility today to explore your symptoms and get your PCOS under control.
