Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects a great number of women across the globe. Nevertheless, with so many affected, it often goes undiagnosed owing to the wide-ranging symptoms, vastly differing from one woman to another. The understanding of symptoms of PCOS happens to be an important key toward early identification and effective later management.
Here, we will present common and sometimes less evident symptoms of the PCOS disease in order to help you identify and deal with it in a timely manner.
Irregular Menstrual
One of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS is irregular menstrual cycles. In women with PCOS, periods may be infrequent, prolonged, or totally absent. Most of the time, this irregularity occurs due to hormonal imbalances, particularly the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) associated with the condition, which interferes with ovulation.
Why does it happen? PCOS can cause the ovaries to develop many small collections of fluid and to fail to release eggs. Actually, some women with PCOS may fail to release an egg, meaning that they have dysfunctional ovulation. This disrupts the regular menstrual process, resulting in missed periods or heavy bleeding when it does occur.
What to Do? Keep a record of your menstrual cycle on an app or with your cell phone’s basic calendar. Note missed or irregular periods over a course of 3 months and then consult with your health care provider on how you may be further evaluated.
Excess Hair Growth
Another common symptom of PCOS is hirsutism: the overgrowth of hair in areas typical for men, such as the face, chest, and back, happening due to extremely high levels of androgens. Androgens are male hormones that women also produce, although in small amounts.
Why It Happens?: Women with PCOS often have a rise in androgens, which can cause excessive growth of hair in areas typically having small amounts of hair in women.
What to Do? Management of hirsutism, therefore, usually involves the use of a variety of modes of hair removal together with such medications as reducing the level of androgens or block androgen effects.
Pimples and Oily Skin
Not only do increased androgens in females result in hirsutism, but they also stimulate the production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin. This, in turn, increases the risks of blocked pores, leading to acne.
Why Does It Occur? The hormonal imbalance related to PCOS can increase androgens in the body, leading to overproduction of oil in the skin; over time, thickening of the skin can create clogged pores that may develop into acne.
What to Do? Apply a proper skincare regimen made to control oily skin; this can work on controlling acne. In much more serious cases, a dermatologist might have to prescribe some medication to control hormones and clear the skin.
Weight gain
Many women with PCOS really suffer from weight gain, especially in the middle area. Theirs is not a case of overeating or not being physically fit; rather, PCOS exerts an aspect of insulin resistance, whereby the body cannot utilize the insulin well, and this results in weight gain.
Why does this happen? Insulin resistance happens in most women as a result of PCOS. The body tends to produce more insulin, consequently normalizing blood sugar but storing more fats in the body, majorly in the stomach.
How to do it? Weight loss in women with PCOS usually requires a program of dietary manipulation plus regular physical activity. A diet based on natural whole foods that are generally not high in refined carbohydrates fosters good effects from these suggestions.
Thinning Hair/Hair Loss
While some women with PCOS do indeed face growth of too much hair, others may suffer from thinning hair on the scalp.
Why Does It Happen? Androgens can gradually miniaturize the hair follicles on the scalp to produce finer, thinner hairs to eventually yield sparse or no hair. This often happens along the hairline and the top of the head.
What Can Be Done? Medical treatments are available to stimulate hair growth, such as minoxidil, applied topically. It is also very helpful if the underlying hormonal imbalance can be treated with the assistance of a professional.
Darkening of the Skin
Acanthosis nigricans symptom occurs usually in the fold areas like the neck, underarms, and groin, and has been linked with insulin resistance, one of the common features in females with PCOS.
Why It Happens: When there are high levels of insulin in the body, the skin cells grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes thickening and darkening of certain skin spots.
What to Do: Increased insulin sensitivity, by way of dietary modification, exercise, and medication, can get the patches to lessen in their appearance.
Mood Changes and Depression
Psychosocial factors can enhance mood changes and mental health issues, related to the hormonal imbalances of PCOS.
What to Do? Mental health is as important as physical health. Women suffering from PCOS should consider mental health treatment given serious mood changes that lead to anxiety and depression.
Sleep Problems
Women with PCOS are prone to sleep disorders such as apnea. Apnea is where the airway gets blocked, disrupting breathing and lowering the quality of sleep.
Why It Happens: Weight gain and insulin resistance-common in PCOS-are sleep system stressors and can increase the likelihood of apnea. Hormonal changes in PCOS can also impact sleep quality.
What to Do: Improve sleep hygiene—keeping regular wake-up and sleep times; going to bed and waking up around the same time, even on weekends; and making a warm, calming bedtime routine.
Managing PCOS Symptoms with Supplements
Women with the condition find relief in their symptom presentations due to lifestyle changes and supplements. One such supplement is the Keffy For Her For Hormone Balance. In essence, this nutraceutical reduces the signs associated with PCOS by restoring an appropriate level in hormonal constituents, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and supporting functions of reproductive health.
In a Nutshell
PCOS is an intricate condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms that involve both physical and emotional health. In such a case, early diagnosis of the symptoms of pcos would link one to appropriate treatment options for effective management of this disease. Using PCOS supplements from Keffy alongside these lifestyle modifications can help alleviate symptoms and highly improve quality of life. Be sure to always consult your healthcare provider before using any new supplement to verify whether it really is appropriate for your personal needs.
