What is PCOS? Ever wondered if you might have it? Whatever your answer may be to those questions, know you are not alone. You have come to the right place to learn about this disorder.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, popularly known as PCOS, is a very common disorder that affects people with periods. Although there isn’t research that provides a direct cause for this disorder, it is said to occur as a result of an imbalance among reproductive hormones. This disorder causes the appearance of small cysts on the ovaries in some and an irregular menstrual cycle.
People with PCOS are greatly affected. The symptoms of this disorder can cause anxiety, depression and a negative body image. It is also the leading cause of infertility in people with periods. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms and steps to take to reverse them.
In recent years, PCOS has gained more recognition in the healthcare system but a lot of people remain undiagnosed. Although there is no information regarding how many years it takes for PCOS to be diagnosed, it is said that it takes longer for people of colour to be diagnosed. This is why it's important to learn the signs so you ask your healthcare provider more questions and advocate for yourself.
Do you think you might have PCOS but are feeling unsure? If yes, here are a few symptoms you have PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS
It is said that the symptoms of PCOS begin shortly after puberty but can also begin to manifest in early adulthood. While there are numerous symptoms of PCOS, there are five indicators you should be on the lookout for: menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, hair thinning, pain during periods, and weight gain.
1. Irregular Periods
The main and most common symptom of PCOS is irregular or missed periods. This is because it causes anovulation—the inability to ovulate or release an egg. This symptom makes it very hard to track one’s menstrual cycle and predict their next period. This symptom of PCOS can also affect the person’s fertility because without eggs being released, pregnancy becomes difficult. If you notice any irregularities in your menstrual cycle happening frequently, chances are you might have PCOS.
2. Hirsutism
This is when excess hair grows around the mouth and chin. This symptom appears in up to 70% of people with PCOS. This symptom is a result of hyperandrogenism, which is the presence of an excess amount of androgens (a reproductive hormone).
3. Hair thinning
Due to the high levels of androgens, a person with PCOS will experience hair loss or the thinning of hair on the scalp. If you notice your hair thinning or more hair on your brush after going through your hair, you might have PCOS.
4. Painful periods
A person with PCOS may experience severe pelvic pain during their period. This pain will also be accompanied by heavy bleeding during their period.
5. Weight gain
A person with PCOS will gain a huge amount of weight in a short period. This symptom is as a result of high insulin levels due to insulin resistance. High insulin levels lead to the increased production of androgens and an increase in appetite. They will also find it very difficult to lose the weight gained.
Additional Signs of PCOS
The other symptoms of PCOS include acne, mood changes, sleep problems, and fatigue. If you have two or more of these symptoms, you need to reach out to your health provider to get an official diagnosis and begin treatment.
Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are other forms of treatment that can help improve the symptoms. Diagnosing and treating this disorder early can also help improve the quality of life and reduce the impact of its long-term associated issues. In addition to traditional medical care, some people also benefit from alternative health treatments, such as naturopathy for PCOS.
If you have PCOS, you are not alone and it is not the end! As long as you receive a diagnosis, speak with your healthcare professional about it and make the recommended changes, you can be your true, healthy and authentic self.
References
Alexander, Victoria. 2021. “What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 101.” TheJoniBlog. https://www.thejoniblog.com/post/what-is-pcos-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-101
Ash, Tobi. 2021. “PCOS Hair Loss Causes And 7 Treatment Options.” Ro. https://ro.co/womens-hair-loss/pcos-hair-loss/#
Basile, Lisa M., and Jessica Rodriguez. 2020. “Why PCOS Affects Women of Color Differently.” HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/why-pcos-affects-women-color-differently
Bitney, Zehra, and AA Khursheed. n.d. “Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Symptoms, treatment and diagnosis: A review.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 7 (6).
“Polycystic ovary syndrome.” 2023. World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
“7 signs you might have polycystic ovarian syndrome.” 2021. Queensland Health. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/7-signs-you-might-have-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome
“What causes PCOS? | NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.” 2022. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/causes
About the Author:
Iyanuoluwa Soyinka is a graduate student from the University of Western Ontario. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from McMaster University. She has a strong passion for social issues and advocates however she can.