These symptoms may begin around the time of your first menstrual period or years later.
PCOS is characterized by an overproduction of male hormones and cysts in the ovaries.
PCOS can interfere with your reproductive and metabolic health and cause numerous symptoms.
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It is a leading cause of infertility.
This article will explore some of the common symptoms of PCOS and how the condition is diagnosed.
These symptoms can suggest polycystic ovary syndrome, but only a healthcare provider can diagnose you.
Cysts
People with PCOS may have small, painless, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries.
These are called cysts, though they are actually follicles, or underdeveloped sacs that contain immature eggs.
In people with PCOS, the follicles dont release eggs as they are supposed to.
The ovaries may also become enlarged.
Not everyone with PCOS has cysts.
Irregular Periods
People with PCOS dont ovulate regularly.
This interferes with the development and shedding of the uterine lining.
Instead of shedding during a regular menstrual period, the lining thickens and sheds irregularly.
This can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding that happens unpredictably and/or infrequently.
But between 70% and 80% of women with hirsutism have PCOS.
Because PCOS can interfere with ovulation, it can cause difficulties getting pregnant.
Talk to your healthcare provider if youve been skipping periods or have them irregularly.
This can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly.
It can also make it harder to lose weight.
One of insulins jobs is promoting fat storage.
If you have insulin resistance, you may also feel excessively thirsty or have frequent urination.
Do you get tired after eating certain foods?
After a stressful event?
After a small amount of exertion?
give a shot to describe the specifics of your fatigue.
Does it come and go?
Is it accompanied by pain or depression symptoms?
Every piece of information ought to help your provider fit the puzzle together.
It may be hard to tell them apart from PCOS mood swings.
Common causes include:
Migraines
Little research has been done involvingmigrainesand PCOS.
But a 2019 study appeared to suggest the link.
It found that migraines are highly associated with PCOS.
Many people without PCOS have migraines, though.
It happens because of theandrogens(male hormones) associated with PCOS.
This means the hair may grow in again.
They include:
Some medications may cause non-patterned hair thinning as well.
Ask your healthcare provider if your medication is on the list.
All that insulin can interfere with the function of other appetite-regulating hormones, leading to increased hunger.
Eating sugar and refined carbs, in particular, can lead to sugar-rush-and-crash cycles that trigger even more cravings.
PCOS cravings can lead to unhealthy behaviors.
For example, people with PCOS are especially prone to binge-eating.
To gauge whether your cravings could be insulin-related, watch for symptoms oflow blood sugar.
Darkening of the Skin
People with PCOS can develop dark patches of skin calledacanthosis nigricans.
They can be brown, purple, or black and may have a velvety appearance.
The discoloration will often fade as you lose weight and adopt a healthy diet.
Can Polycystic Ovaries Make You Feel Sick?
People with PCOS dont usually feel sick, though fatigue is a common symptom.
Because fatigue can be because of common issues like trouble sleeping or stress, it can be easily dismissed.
This is one reason why PCOS often goes undiagnosed for long periods of time.
Most importantly, see your healthcare provider.
Do I have to take birth control if I have PCOS?
How do I know if I have PCOS or endometriosis?
PCOS and endometriosis can both affect fertility.
Endometriosis, however, causes chronic pelvic pain while PCOS typically does not.
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome can disrupt your menstrual cycle and interfere with your fertility.
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