Overview
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including issues with periods, skin, hair growth, and fertility. Often, symptoms can develop gradually, causing difficulties with recognizing PCOS symptoms and treatment in the early stages. Some women may notice irregular periods whilst others may notice ongoing acne, extra facial hair or issues with their period.
Knowing PCOS symptoms in women can help you recognise any changes taking place within your body and will help you seek medical guidance. Whilst PCOS is a long-term condition, with the right medical care and lifestyle support, symptoms can be managed.
At Wellspring Family Clinic, we can talk through any hormonal issues you may be experiencing, any changes to your periods and other symptoms. We can help identify any possible causes of your symptoms in the early stages.
Symptoms
PCOS symptoms can vary between individuals. Some women may experience a number of symptoms, whilst others may not experience many symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Irregular periods—You may find your periods are less frequent, unpredictable, or stop for several months.
Acne & oily skin—Hormone changes may lead to ongoing acne in areas such as the face, chest and back.
Excess facial/body hair – Higher levels of androgens can cause extra hair growth in areas such as the chin, upper lip, chest or stomach.
Thinning hair—Some women may notice thinner hair on their head.
Weight changes—You may gain weight or struggle to manage your weight. PCOS can affect anybody regardless of their weight.
Fertility issues—Irregular ovulation can make predicting your fertile times more difficult.
Darkened skin—Dark patches of thickened skin may develop around areas such as the neck, armpits, and other areas of skin folds. This can often be associated with insulin resistance.
Whilst these symptoms can be indicative of PCOS, many other conditions can cause similar symptoms; therefore, seeking medical attention is key.
Causes
The exact cause of PCOS is unclear. Research has shown that several factors can contribute to the development of PCOS, including hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, and genetics.
Hormone imbalance—Some women with PCOS may experience raised levels of androgens (male hormones). These hormones are typically found in higher quantities in males. Raised androgen levels in females can cause acne, excess hair, and irregular ovulation.
Insulin resistance – Insulin helps control blood sugar levels within your body. If cells become resistant to insulin, your body will produce more. Raised insulin levels can cause increased androgen levels in some people and can affect ovulation.
Genetics—PCOS can be hereditary. If a close family member has PCOS, you may be more likely to develop it.
PCOS is not caused by anything you have done or failed to do. PCOS is a complex medical condition that will require individualised assessment.
When to see a doctor
If you are noticing regular changes to your periods, new or worsened facial hair, ongoing acne, thinning hair or any other symptoms, then you may wish to speak to a healthcare professional.
If your periods are very irregular or stopping for several months, you should seek medical advice. There are many reasons why this could be happening. If you are experiencing very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, feeling faint or any other urgent symptoms, then you should seek immediate medical attention.
A healthcare professional may ask about your periods, symptoms, medications, and family medical history. They may suggest blood tests, physical examination, or imaging depending on your situation.
By seeking help early, you can help to manage your symptoms and monitor any related issues such as blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
Risk factors
There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing PCOS; however, PCOS can affect anyone.
Family history – If your mother, sister or other close family member has PCOS, then you may be more at risk.
Insulin resistance – Insulin resistance is commonly linked to PCOS.
Metabolic issues – Some people with PCOS will experience raised blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Raised androgen levels & irregular ovulation – PCOS can cause raised androgen levels and irregular ovulation.
PCOS can affect women of all shapes and sizes. Whilst knowing your risk factors can help with a medical assessment, only a healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and determine if you meet the diagnosis criteria.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormone and metabolic issue that can cause issues with the ovaries. It is commonly associated with irregular ovulation, raised androgen levels, and sometimes multiple small follicles on ultrasound.
Whilst it is referred to as PCOS, you don’t have to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed. The small follicles that are sometimes seen on ultrasound are not the same as ovarian cysts.
In adults, a healthcare professional will typically look for a combination of symptoms including irregular or absent ovulation, clinical or lab evidence of raised androgen levels and evidence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (if appropriate). Other causes of your symptoms will also be considered and ruled out. Not everybody will require an ultrasound.
PCOS can affect periods, fertility, skin, hair and long-term metabolic issues. PCOS diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and goals and can include medication to help with periods, skin and hair, and lifestyle changes to help.
Typical age PCOS presents
PCOS often presents during adolescence or early adulthood. Often it is noticed around the time your periods become regular. Some individuals may not notice symptoms until several years after their first period when their periods become irregular, or they may notice ongoing acne or excess hair.
Irregular periods and acne are common in puberty. Diagnosing PCOS can be tricky in teenagers as some symptoms may be due to normal development. Your healthcare professional will consider your age, how long you have been having periods, pattern of symptoms and appropriate criteria.
Sometimes PCOS can be diagnosed in later adulthood if symptoms were mild or not recognised. There is no set age at which everyone will experience symptoms. If you are concerned about changes to your periods or ongoing symptoms then we can help you.
Find a Doctor at Wellspring Family Clinic
If you are concerned about irregular periods, hormonal changes, ongoing acne or other symptoms that could be due to PCOS, then speaking to a healthcare professional can help. At Wellspring Family Clinic in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, we offer family-focused healthcare and can help you with any concerns you may have about your general and reproductive health.
When attending your appointment, let us know when your symptoms started, any changes to your periods, and whether you have noticed any changes to your skin or hair. Keeping a record of your periods and symptoms can help.
We can help identify your concerns and discuss any appropriate investigations. We will also let you know if any further investigations or specialist referrals are required. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, we can discuss treatment for PCOS tailored to your symptoms, health history and goals.
Get in touch with Wellspring Family Clinic to find out if we have availability.
Conclusion
Knowing the symptoms of PCOS in women can help you get the correct care and understand your hormone health. Irregular periods, ongoing acne, excess facial hair, thinning hair on your head, and issues with ovulation can all be symptoms of PCOS; however, they can be caused by other issues.
It is important to have the correct medical assessment, as PCOS can look different in everybody. Many people can manage their symptoms with an individualised care plan. Depending on your circumstances, what causes PCOS in women and your individual health goals can help guide treatment decisions. For women hoping to conceive, PCOS treatment for pregnancy may involve medical support to help with ovulation and fertility. If you are noticing ongoing changes, contact Wellspring Family Clinic.
FAQ
- What are the early signs of PCOS in women?
Early signs of PCOS can include irregular periods, ongoing acne, excess facial/body hair, and thinning hair on your head. Some people may also experience issues with ovulation. Symptoms can vary between individuals, so if you are noticing regular changes to your symptoms, you should speak to a healthcare professional.
- Can PCOS be treated?
There is no one treatment to cure PCOS; however, symptoms can often be managed. Treatment can include medication to help with regulating periods, acne or excess hair, and addressing metabolic issues. Lifestyle changes can also help.
- Can you have PCOS without ovarian cysts?
Yes. Ovarian cysts are not required to diagnose PCOS. A healthcare professional will look for a combination of hormone symptoms, ovulation patterns, and other clinical findings. They will also consider and rule out any alternative causes.
- Can women with PCOS get pregnant?
Many women with PCOS can get pregnant naturally or with medical support. As PCOS can affect ovulation, some people may require assistance with their fertility. We can talk through the best options for you.