What are the Noticeable Symptoms of PCOS?
Polycyctic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a rather complicated syndrome that, to some degree or another, affects about one in ten childbearing age women, some of whom are experiencing infertility as a result.
PCOS symptoms tend to be experienced gradually, usually in the early teens, after the first menstrual period. The first symptom is generally weight gain. Hormonal changes that lead to this weight gain include the release of androgens which are hormones that cause the typical male physical characteristics. These changes in hormones spur on symptoms such as:
- Few or no menstrual periods
- Hair loss
- Hirsutism: Increased hair growth in strange places such as back, chest, face, fingers and toes
- Anovulation: The inability to ovulate or release a mature egg from the ovary each month
- Obesity
- Acne
- Skin Tags: Excess flaps of skin generally found around the armpit or groin
- Acanthosis Nigricans: Areas of thick, darker skin found behind the neck, thighs or vulva
- Sleep Apnea or snoring
- Depression
- Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning/loss
- Lower abdomen pain
PCOS Sufferers have many other symptoms and health problems that are not noticeable without doctor consultation. These symptoms can be detected by a doctor during diagnosis. They include, but are not limited to: Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, ovarian cycts, high blood pressure, and infertility.
For trying-to-conceive women, treatments of PCOS include fertility medications: Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. Natural fertility supplements, such as FertilAid for Women, are popular with PCOS sufferers as well. If you would like more information about PCOS and ways to cope, see a fertility specialist or doctor. You may also wish to start a diet and exercise program to help lessen or cease your symptoms and inability to conceive.
Tags: cycle irregularity, hormonal imbalance, infertility causes, Infertility Diagnosis, Ovulation
Thanks so much for providing accurate information on PCOS – a huge problem is that many women get misdiagnosed and get provided inconsistent information.
I have just re-launched my coaching practice to focus on helping women with PCOS and similar disorders. I also work with women who are having trouble conceiving.
Pardon the dust – but here is my new website:
http://www.yummylifecoaching.com
Hope to see you there!
Holly Amarandei, MS, CPC
Yummy Life Coaching
Very timely and informative on fertility. Thanks for sharing this.