Are you struggling with infertility? Do you have irregular or missed periods? Are you gaining weight or experiencing excess hair growth? If so, you may have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Read on to learn about the five most common signs of PCOS.
Irregular or No Menstrual Cycle
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. This condition results in several troubling and sometimes irreversible symptoms, including irregular or no periods.
Women with PCOS produce more hormones than average, including testosterone and estrogen, which can also cause an imbalance in other hormones. If you are experiencing an abnormal amount of missed or skipped menstrual cycles, it could signify that you have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
PCOS can lead to long-term health complications if left untreated. So, if you’re exhibiting any combination of these symptoms and/or concerns, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor for an evaluation immediately. With proper diagnosis and management plans, PCOS sufferers can look forward to better hormone balance and reduced health risks over time.
Excess Facial and Body Hair
One of the key symptoms of PCOS is the excessive presence of the body and facial hair, known as hirsutism, which can indicate higher-than-normal levels of androgen hormones in the body. This can manifest in the form of thick, dark hair on places like your chin, upper lip, and cheeks, as well as increased hair growth on the arms and legs.
If you’re noticing excessive facial or body hair that wasn’t there before – particularly if it’s in an unusual place for a woman – it could be a sign that you’re dealing with PCOS.
Weight Gain
Another common sign that you may have PCOS is excess weight or obesity. With PCOS, women often experience changes in their hormonal balance which can lead to an increase in body weight.
Researchers believe this hormone surge disrupts the body’s ability to regulate sugar and fat metabolism and leads to weight gain. Understanding the underlying causes of obesity due to PCOS can go a long way in helping patients treat the condition more effectively. Weight loss has been shown to improve metabolic health markers, reduce risk factors and improve reproductive function in patients with PCOS.
However, treatment plans must focus on lifestyle modifications such as physical activity, healthy eating habits, and medications to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Identifying overweight/obesity as one of the early signs of PCOS can help encourage patients to seek more comprehensive care sooner rather than later. In addition, by understanding the connection between being overweight/obese and PCOS, you can take proactive steps for proper diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, such as a PCOS diet, for better overall health outcomes.
High Levels of Insulin
Insulin is responsible for helping to regulate the body’s levels of glucose or sugar. When PCOS occurs, it often causes glucose levels to spike due to abnormal production, resulting in high amounts of insulin being released into the bloodstream.
Additionally, PCOS can cause malfunctioning and enlargement in cells, leading to impaired glucose uptake and a further decline in their ability to process insulin properly.
Knowing the connection between high blood insulin and PCOS helps people stay proactive about their health so they can seek help from medical professionals as soon as possible. In addition, a comprehensive medical evaluation will ensure you know the most optimal path forward when managing your health concerns.
Fertility Problems
Finally, one of the primary markers of PCOS is difficulty conceiving
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