Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women. It is one of the most common gynaecological problems, with 1 in 10 women worldwide suffering from it.

Identifying the signs of this condition is important as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

Irregular Periods

One of the most common signs of PCOS is irregular periods. Women with PCOS may have fewer than 9 periods a year or their periods can become less frequent or stop altogether. Heavy or prolonged bleeding may also sometimes occur.

Women with PCOS have ovaries that contain many cysts, which are tiny sacs filled with fluid where eggs are stored. Women with these cysts may not always ovulate, which can cause irregular periods.

Excess Androgen

PCOS is often associated with excess androgen, which is a male hormone. Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgen than those without this condition.

This can cause physical changes in the body such as excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne and oily skin. Some women with PCOS may also experience male-pattern baldness.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is another common symptom of PCOS. Women with this condition often find it harder to lose weight and may gain weight easily. Research shows that approximately 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.

Being overweight can also make some of the other symptoms of PCOS worse, such as irregular periods.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is when the body has trouble using insulin to move glucose from the blood into the cells for energy. Women with PCOS are more likely to have insulin resistance, which can cause them to have higher levels of insulin in their blood.

High insulin levels can cause the body to produce more androgen, which can worsen the symptoms of PCOS.

Infertility

Infertility is a common complication of PCOS. Women with PCOS may have difficulty becoming pregnant because they do not ovulate regularly. Infertility caused by PCOS can often be treated with medication that stimulates ovulation.

Related Article PCOS: Recognizing the Symptoms

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small flaps of skin that can grow on the body. They are often found around the neck, under the arms, or in the groin area. In women with PCOS, skin tags are more common due to the high insulin levels in their blood.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted while they sleep. This can occur when the airway becomes blocked or when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.

Women with PCOS are more likely to develop sleep apnea because of their weight and the hormonal imbalances in their body.

Mood Disorders

PCOS is often associated with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and mood swings.

Mood disorders can be caused by the hormonal imbalances in the body, as well as the emotional and physical stress that comes with living with the symptoms of PCOS.

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of PCOS. Women with this condition often experience tension headaches, which are caused by stress and muscle tension in the neck and head. Migraines and other types of headaches may also be more common in women with PCOS.

Acne

Acne is another common symptom of PCOS. Women with this condition often have acne that is difficult to treat and can be severe.

Acne in women with PCOS is usually related to the hormonal imbalances in their body, specifically the higher levels of androgen.

Conclusion

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects many women worldwide. It is a hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms such as irregular periods, excess androgen, weight gain, infertility, skin tags, sleep apnea, mood disorders, headaches and acne.

Early diagnosis and treatment is important as it can prevent complications such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.