Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, can easily read as some rare and foreign disease. However, it affects up to 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. As many as 5 million women in the US alone suffer from this disease, which can affect girls as young as 11. Although the prevalence of this disease among women is relatively high, many of its symptoms are misdiagnosed and/or mistreated.
PCOS affects multiple systems in the body which can be seen by the long list of symptoms this disease has. Elevated androgen (male) hormone levels result in weight gain, pelvic pain, ovarian cists, miscarriages, additional growth in unwanted hair, and so much more. These elevated levels also interfere with the development and release of eggs during ovulation, causing irregularities in a woman’s menstrual cycle and/or diminishing her period altogether. With such a wide variety of symptoms, it can be difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause. However, you’ll find some of the symptoms most commonly linked to PCOS below.
Polycystic Ovary Diagram
Irregular Menstrual Periods
First and foremost, if you are experiencing a period that does not come on a consistent basis, you are most likely suffering from a hormonal imbalance. However, as women, it is completely normal to write off irregular periods as a result of stress or some other happenstance cause. For this reason, it is important to monitor and keep track of when you get your period. Documenting a pattern of unreliability with your menstrual cycle for a significant period of time will help you be that much aware of when it is time to see your doctor regarding this particular symptom.
Unusual Hair Growth
Another sign that you may be suffering from PCOS is the development of facial hair or hair in other unwanted regions. As mentioned before, PCOS is caused by the increase of androgens, male sex hormones that are also produced in low amounts by women. The increase of androgens and the decreased production of estrogen often results in hair growth in places that are uncommon for women, such as the face, chin, nipples, and stomach. Topical creams, such as Vaniqa, along with proper hormone regulation are the best ways to treat this symptom. Speak with your doctor now to find the best hair growth prevention /removal regimen for you.
Rapid Weight Gain
Last but not least, unexplained and persistent weight gain, specifically around the abdominal area, is another symptom that is indicative of a hormonal imbalance. Although the reason for this is still being researched by doctors, there is no debate that rapid retention of weight and inability to keep weight off is directly linked to hormonal issues. If you notice that you are having this problem, please go and see a doctor to discuss your options.
Detecting PCOS
PCOS is considered a silent disease due to the simple fact that people underestimate how sensitive their bodies are to hormone levels. Many of the symptoms of PCOS can be explained by other conditions, causing people to live with the disease undetected and untreated. The best way to know if you are suffering from PCOS is to pay attention to physical changes and to speak with your doctor once you realize your body’s natural rhythm is off.
