Know Your Body: 30 PCOS Symptoms You Need to Know

PCOS is a disorder that is basically caused due to hormonal imbalances. When we hear the term PCOS, we think of irregular periods. Yes, many of us are aware that the most prevalent and well-known symptom of PCOS is irregular periods; however, there are many more symptoms that many of us are unaware of or have never heard of.

It is vital to be aware of the symptoms in order to treat the problem. Women who have regular periods may believe they do not have PCOS, although there is a chance they might have it but because they are not unaware of the other symptoms they don’t know it. So it is essential that every woman be informed of the signs of PCOS.

Now, let’s look at the top 30 PCOS symptoms that every woman should be aware of.

1. Heavy periods: A heavy period refer to unusually heavy bleeding throughout the menstrual cycle that lasts longer than normal and necessitates more frequent tampon or pad changes. This illness may result in anemia, lethargy, and discomfort and is characterized by the passage of big blood clots.
2.  Excess Hair Growth: Excessive hair growth, often known as hirsutism, is a typical symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is caused by high androgen hormone levels in women, which causes thick, black hair to grow in places normally associated with male-pattern hair development, such as the face, chest, back, and belly.
3. Acne: Acne is a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) condition caused by hormonal abnormalities. Elevated androgen levels in PCOS women can cause an overproduction of sebum, blocking hair follicles and creating inflammation
   leading to acne breakouts, most commonly on the face, chest, and back. In people with PCOS, treating the hormonal imbalance can help manage and improve acne.
4. Hair loss: Hair loss is a typical symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) caused by hormonal abnormalities. High levels of androgens in women with PCOS can cause hair follicle miniaturization and early shedding, resulting in thinning hair and hair loss.
5. Insulin resistance: One of the main symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is insulin resistance. It happens when the body’s cells stop responding as well to insulin, which raises blood sugar levels.
   Insulin resistance may encourage the production of too many androgens by the ovaries in PCOS, upsetting the hormonal balance and leading to a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and hirsutism.
6. Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Because of insulin resistance and rising blood sugar levels, women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to major health consequences over time, making regular screening and management crucial for people with PCOS.
7. Obesity: Obesity is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).The hormonal imbalances in PCOS can contribute to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight. Since fat cells can create hormones that interfere with normal metabolic and reproductive functions, being overweight can make the condition worse.
8. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common PCOS symptom. PCOS’s hormonal abnormalities and insulin resistance can cause blood sugar variations, decreasing energy levels and producing weariness. Heavy monthly bleeding, sleep difficulties, and PCOS-related stress can all contribute to feelings of tiredness.
9. Sleep disturbances: Hormonal imbalances and accompanying diseases such as insulin resistance can disturb sleep patterns, causing difficulty getting asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. These abnormalities can exacerbate fatigue and have a detrimental influence on general well-being.
10. Mood swings: Mood swings are seen is most women during their menstruation cycle but we don’t now that it is also a PCOS symptom. PCOS hormone abnormalities can impact neurotransmitters in the brain, causing mood swings and emotional shifts. These mood fluctuations can include everything from anger and anxiety to sadness and depression.
11. Anxiety: Anxiety is known to be most common in women but it is also one of the PCOS symptoms. Women with PCOS may suffer heightened anxiety, which can interfere with everyday life and overall well-being.
12. Depression: Depression is also a PCOS symptom which many of us don’t know. Not just our day-to-day situations but also hormonal imbalances can cause depression and have an impact on one’s disposition, drive, and quality of life.
13. Skin tags: Skin tags are also seen as PCOS symptoms. Skin tag means small and soft growth on the skin. These are caused by insulin resistance and hormonal alterations, both of which are common in PCOS women.
14. Headaches: Frequent headaches are also seemed common in women with PCOS. These are caused due to hormonal imbalances and many other PCOS factors.
15. Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain is a typical PCOS symptom. The pain could be caused by enlarged ovaries with numerous cysts, which cause pressure and discomfort in the lower abdomen. The level of PCOS-related pelvic pain varies, and it is frequently accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and hormonal imbalances.
16. Infertility: Infertility is a PCOS symptom, which is characterized by hormonal imbalances that impair normal ovulation. Due to irregular or nonexistent menstrual periods, the disorder makes it difficult to conceive by impeding the release of mature eggs for fertilization.
17. Miscarriage: A possible side effect of PCOS, a hormonal condition that affects women’s reproductive health, is miscarriage. Ovulation irregularities and hormonal imbalances brought on by PCOS can raise the chance of miscarriage.
    Miscarriages during the first trimester of pregnancy may occur as a result of the spontaneous loss of the embryo or fetus. The risk of miscarriage can be decreased with early PCOS diagnosis and therapy.
18. Cysts on ovaries: Ovarian cysts are one of the typical PCOS symptoms. Small fluid-filled sacs develop on the ovaries as a result of the disorder, which interferes with proper ovulation. Hormonal imbalances, abnormal menstrual periods, and problems with conception may be brought on by these cysts.

    

19. Reduced breast size: Typical PCOS symptoms include reduced breast size, which is brought on by hormonal abnormalities. Lower estrogen levels brought on by PCOS can influence breast development and reduce breast tissue.
    To find the underlying cause, it’s crucial to take into account other variables that could affect breast size variations and to get a medical checkup.
20. Pain during intercourse: Dyspareunia, or pain during intercourse, is a PCOS symptom. Ovarian cysts and hormonal abnormalities can cause vaginal dryness, decreased lubrication, and pelvic discomfort during intercourse.
21. High cholesterol levels: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be characterized by elevated cholesterol levels. PCOS is connected with insulin resistance, which results in high insulin levels, which can increase cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
    Furthermore, hormonal abnormalities in PCOS may lead to improper lipid metabolism, resulting in greater cholesterol levels and a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.
22. High blood pressure: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which can result in elevated insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels may contribute to hypertension by interfering with blood vessel function and leading the body to retain salt and water.
23. Joint pain: A lesser-known PCOS symptom is joint pain. PCOS-related hormonal abnormalities and inflammation can cause joint soreness and stiffness. Elevated androgens and insulin resistance may have a role in joint inflammation.
24. Digestive issues: Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive problems might be signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
    In PCOS, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance might decrease gut motility and worsen gastrointestinal inflammation. Changes in bowel habits and gastrointestinal pain may result from these disruptions.
25. Snoring: Because of the hormonal imbalances and weight gain associated with the disorder, snoring can be a PCOS symptom. PCOS can cause an increase in androgens and insulin resistance, which can contribute to weight gain and fat distribution around the neck and throat. This can cause snoring and sleep disruptions by obstructing the airway during sleep.
26. Oily skin: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is frequently characterized by oily skin. In PCOS, hormonal abnormalities can result in an increase in androgen production, which prompts the sebaceous glands to generate more oil. This extra oil can clog pores and cause outbreaks of acne.
27. Skin discoloration: PCOS can cause skin discolorations such as dark spots or acanthosis nigricans. Insulin resistance in PCOS can cause aberrant melanin production, resulting in skin darkening in specific places such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
    Treating the underlying cause of PCOS with lifestyle modifications and medications can help improve skin discoloration and restore an even skin tone.
28. Breast tenderness: Breast soreness is a PCOS symptom that is most likely influenced by hormone abnormalities. PCOS can cause breast tenderness and pain due to elevated androgen levels and a disturbed estrogen-progesterone ratio.
    PCOS can be managed with lifestyle changes and hormonal medications, which may help decrease breast tenderness and other symptoms. Regular breast inspections are required to rule out other possible reasons and to guarantee overall breast health.
29. High triglyceride & androgen levels: High triglyceride levels are frequently accompanied by insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which encourages the liver’s production of triglycerides.
    Due to hormonal abnormalities, PCOS also causes high androgen levels. High triglyceride levels and androgens are linked to a number of symptoms, including irregular periods, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and problems with conception.
30.  Thinning hair on the scalp: Thinning hair on the scalp is a PCOS symptom, which is impacted by hormone abnormalities.
    Elevated androgen levels in PCOS can cause increased hair shedding and hair follicle shrinkage. Androgenetic alopecia is a disorder that causes gradual hair loss on the scalp, especially in a male-pattern distribution.

These are the 30 PCOS symptoms that every woman should be aware of in order to recognize and diagnose PCOS.