What You Should Know About The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

With a shift in lifestyle and the adoption of unhealthy habits that interfere with the body's natural functions, polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) has become a fairly common hormonal disorder. It impacts women of reproductive age, often beginning in adolescence with fluctuating symptoms. It leads to hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess oestrogen levels, and ovarian cysts, making it a significant cause of infertility. While PCOS is a chronic condition without a cure, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments. 

Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Individual differences in symptoms, their potential for change over time, and their frequent lack of a clear cause are all possible. Symptoms that could exist include:

• heavy, protracted, erratic, unpredictable, or nonexistent times
• Infertility
• Acne or oily skin
• baldness with a male pattern or thinning hair
• weight growth, particularly in the abdomen area.

Anxiety, despair, and a negative body image can also be brought on by PCOS. The impact of social stigma on other facets of life, such as family, relationships, work, and community involvement, may be significant. Those who have PCOS are also more likely to experience the following additional health problems, like diabetes type 2, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, cardiac conditions, endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterus's inner lining.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Child Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can also be present in girls and adolescents. The symptoms of PCOS in children and adolescents can vary, and they often involve a combination of hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues. Some possible symptoms include:

Hormonal Symptoms

• Girls with PCOS may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods. This can start shortly after menstruation begins, with cycles being longer than 35 days or less frequent than every 3-4 months.
• Increased levels of androgens (male hormones) can lead to acne, especially on the face, back, and shoulders. This may be more pronounced in adolescents with PCOS.
• Overgrowth of hair in certain regions like the upper lip, chin, and chest that are generally associated with men. This can be distressing for young girls and may affect their self-esteem.
• Thinning of hair on the scalp, known as androgenic alopecia, can occur due to elevated androgen levels.

Metabolic Symptoms

• Many girls with PCOS struggle with weight gain or obesity. Excess weight can exacerbate insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS.
• Insulin resistance can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and is often associated with PCOS. This can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Even with a healthy diet and exercise,  because of their metabolic imbalances, people with PCOS may find it difficult to lose weight.

Physical Symptoms

• While not always symptomatic, ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries and may be detected via ultrasound. 
• Some girls may experience pelvic discomfort or pain, often due to cysts or hormonal imbalances.

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

• The physical symptoms of PCOS, such as hirsutism or acne, can contribute to emotional and psychological stress. Additionally, hormonal imbalances may play a role in mood disorders.
• Physical symptoms like acne and excess hair growth can affect self-esteem and body image, particularly during adolescence.

Other Considerations

• Though less common, PCOS can be associated with sleep apnoea, particularly in those with obesity.
• Acanthosis nigricans  is a condition characterised by dark, velvety patches of skin, usually found in the neck, armpits, or groin, and is often a sign of insulin resistance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptom Test 

A healthcare provider diagnoses polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a physical exam, blood tests, and ultrasounds. A diagnosis is typically made if the patient exhibits at least two symptoms, such as irregular or missed periods and signs of excess oestrogen.

• During the physical exam, the doctor looks for symptoms of high oestrogen levels, such as acne and excessive hair growth, and reviews the patient's medical history, including menstrual cycles.
• Blood tests measure androgen hormone levels and assess other sex hormones to rule out similar disorders.
• An ultrasound checks the ovaries for abnormalities, noting that not all PCOS patients develop cysts. 

Conclusion

Dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be really tough, and it’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that comes with it. Those hormonal ups and downs can lead to mood swings and anxiety, making it hard to keep things balanced day-to-day. Just know you’re not alone—lots of people are going through the same thing. Reaching out for support from friends, family, or a healthcare provider can really help. Taking small steps to understand and manage your symptoms can make a big difference. Your feelings are totally valid, and it’s perfectly okay to ask for help!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms?

Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms vary among individuals and may include heavy or irregular periods, infertility, acne, male-pattern baldness, abdominal weight gain, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

What are the common causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Although the exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and environmental contaminants all have an impact. It tends to run in families and is characterised by elevated androgen and insulin levels, low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and increased prolactin.