Women’s Health
Early Signs of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that can affect women who are of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women suffer from PCOS globally, with up to 70% of those women going undiagnosed. Knowing the early signs of PCOS, however, can empower you in conversations with your provider.
The syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the ovaries create excess hormones, specifically when the ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgens. This results in an imbalance of reproductive hormones that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and missed periods. Additionally, the name derives from small follicle cysts that can develop on the ovaries due to lack of ovulation, however, cysts don’t necessarily need to be present in order for you to have PCOS.
PCOS is a common cause of infertility and can increase the risk of other serious health conditions. Symptoms can vary, and some people don’t have any symptoms at all, not realizing they’re suffering from PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant. There are a variety of treatments for PCOS depending on whether or not a woman wants to become pregnant in the future.
Common Early Signs of PCOS
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Irregular periods are menstrual cycles that don’t follow a typical pattern, and can also vary in length and amount of bleeding. A typical menstrual cycle happens every 28 days and lasts for four to seven days. Periods that happen every 21 days or more frequently, or those that occur every 35 days apart or longer, are considered irregular.
A regular period allows the body to shed an unfertilized egg, however, in the case of PCOS, irregular ovulation caused by hormonal imbalances can result in irregular or missed periods or periods that seem heavier or lighter than normal.
Tracking your menstrual cycle is a good way to better understand your body’s rhythm and when that rhythm might be out of balance. There are a variety of health apps you can use, or simply making note on a calendar of when you experience menstrual symptoms and how long your period lasts is an easy way to determine if it becomes irregular. Signs you might be experiencing an irregular period include:
- Excessive or heavy bleeding or spotting between periods
- Severe pain during your period
- Frequency—either a cycle that seems too short or too long
- Periods that last longer or shorter than normal
Changes in Physical Appearance
Like other hormonal imbalances in the body, PCOS can present changes in physical appearance. Signs to make note of include:
- Excess facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Skin discoloration, especially darkened patches of skin on the neck, armpits or groin areas
- Skin tags on the neck or armpits
- Acne or oily skin patterns
- Thinning hair
Reproductive Signs
For some women, learning they have PCOS doesn’t happen until they try to become pregnant. If you experience the following reproductive symptoms, you might have PCOS and should consult your physician.
- Difficulty conceiving
- Ovulation problems
- Changes in ovarian function
- Ovaries that are large or have cysts
Metabolic Symptoms
PCOS can lead to a variety of symptoms related to insulin and body weight. Women who have PCOS might experience insulin resistance, which can result in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, PCOS can cause unexplained weight fluctuations such as an unexplained increase in body fat or difficulty losing weight. It can also cause high cholesterol and increase blood pressure. If you experience these symptoms, or develop unusual food cravings or changes in your appetite, talk with your doctor.
Mood and Mental Health
Women with PCOS can experience changes in mood and mental and emotional health. In addition to the physical symptoms, women who feel they might have PCOS should also note heightened anxiety or depression, mood swings, changes in attitudes toward food or impacts on self-image.
Less Common Early Signs
Not all symptoms of PCOS are obvious, or obviously related to the menstrual cycle or hormonal imbalance, but they are still important to be aware of. Women with PCOS can experience trouble sleeping or insomnia, headaches and pelvic pain.
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Risk Factors to Consider
Family history can indicate a woman’s probability of developing PCOS; studies show women with a family history of PCOS are at higher risk. Additionally, obesity, lack of exercise and smoking can lead to developing the syndrome. PCOS typically develops during teen or early adulthood years. Of course, not all women with these additional risk factors will develop PCOS. If you do have these factors, talk with your doctor about steps you can take to mitigate symptoms and monitor your reproductive health.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Being in tune with your body’s rhythms and menstrual cycle is a good first step in knowing when something is amiss. In the case of PCOS, women who experience the following symptoms should see a doctor:
- Missed or irregular periods
- Noticeably light periods
- Infertility
- Unexplained weight gain, especially in the abdomen
Women who experience these symptoms will most likely have an ultrasound, a computer imaging test that uses sound waves to see the body’s internal organs and systems and one that can detect ovarian cysts. Additionally, a blood test can show heightened levels of androgens and other hormones.
In getting ready for your appointment, try to compile the dates and lengths of your recent periods. Write down any other symptoms that are out of the ordinary, including extra body hair, acne or oily skin.
There are treatments for PCOS, including changes in diet, exercise, hormonal contraceptives such as the birth control pill, medicines that can induce ovulation and diabetes treatments.
Conclusion
Given its prevalence and potential harm to a woman’s fertility, it’s important to be aware of PCOS and its symptoms. Work to incorporate a healthy, balanced diet and frequent exercise. If you can, track your menstrual cycle and flag any irregularities with your doctor. Most importantly, pay attention to your body and seek medical attention if anything feels out of the ordinary, even if you can’t pinpoint what it is. Your doctor can work with you to establish baseline health and treat irregularities or ovarian cysts that result from PCOS.
