PCOS Awareness Month: 5 Common Signs And Symptoms To Watch Out For

Signs Of PCOS: PCOS Awareness Month is observed every year in September is a federally designated event and is sponsored by the PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. The objectives of PCOS Awareness Month are to spread more awareness about this health condition and improve the lives of those affected by PCOS.

Observed from 1-30 September, PCOS awareness month was started by PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association in September of 2018. During this event, organisations and individuals from across the world come together to raise awareness about this rapidly increasing health condition.

Watch the video below about yoga asanas for PCOS: 

What Is PCOS?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a reproductive condition that some women experience due to hormone imbalance and other factors. Johns Hopkins Medicine defines PCOS as a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male s*x hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries. However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts.

Common Signs & Symptoms Of PCOS

1. Irregular Periods

One of the most common symptoms of PCOS includes irregular periods. According to Mayo Clinic, Having few menstrual periods or having periods that aren't regular are common signs of PCOS. So is having periods that last for many days or longer than is typical for a period. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, and those periods may occur more than 35 days apart. You may have trouble getting pregnant.

2. Increased Levels Of Androgen

Excessive levels of androgen hormone can lead to excess facial and body hair, which is known as hirsutism. This is another sign that you might be suffering from PCOS and should seek medical attention.

3. Weight Gain

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), polycystic ovary syndrome is an obesity-related condition. As such, weight gain and obesity contribute towards the development of PCOS. However, there are also mechanisms whereby the development of PCOS can contribute towards further weight gain and hamper efforts to establish effective weight loss.

4. Acne Or Oily Skin

The hormonal changes in the body can cause increased secretion of oily glands, which make the skin more prone to acne, pimples and other skincare problems. Excessive androgens of male hormones can cause acne or oily skin in women.

5. Skin Patches

Another major sign of PCOS is skin patches. You may notice dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.

Complications Of PCOS

- Complications of PCOS can include:

- Infertility

- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

- Miscarriage or premature birth

- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,  a severe liver inflammation caused by fat buildup in the liver

- Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease

- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

- Sleep apnea

- Depression, anxiety and eating disorders

- Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)