Did you know that Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects around ten million women in the US? 😯
Unfortunately, 50% of women go undiagnosed due to the wide variation in what is considered to be normal and not a “real cause for concern”. 😒
So, I’d like to share some of the signs so you and our fellow sisters can be on the lookout... 👀
➡️ Irregular Periods ⏰
They might not come according to a regular schedule, or they get skipped completely (which likely indicates you didn’t ovulate that month).
➡️ Weight Gain
Around 50% of women with PCOS are obese or struggle with their weight.
➡️ Fatigue, Tiredness 🥱
Fatigue can be described as feeling run down and tired even after you have rested and not been exerting yourself strenuously.
➡️ Sleep Disorders 💤
Many women with PCOS report sleep disorders such as insomnia - that is, not being able to fall asleep. They might also have a poor quality of sleep and struggle to stay asleep. Women with PCOS are also more likely to have sleep apnea (a condition where the person stops breathing for a few seconds at a time).
➡️ Mood Changes
PCOS increases the likelihood of mood swings, depression, and anxiety. It could be from tiredness due to lack of sleep, and/or it could be the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS. If you noticed your moods tend to be like a rollercoaster, especially at certain stages of your cycle, it could be PCOS.
➡️ Headaches. 🤕
Hormonal changes can trigger headaches, and in particular, migraine headaches. Migraines can be so severe that the person is unable to function.
➡️ Hairiness (aka “Hirsutism”)
Women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS will often grow excess body hair - facial/chin, legs, arms, underarms, and even back, chest, belly, fingers and toes.
➡️ Balding
Hair can often seem to grow on the body every place except where you want it to, the top of your head. Women with PCOS can start to lose their hair in middle age in a similar manner to men.
➡️ Acne and Other Skin Changes
You can get pimples, scaly or dark patches of skin, and more.
➡️ Pelvic Pain
The pain may occur during your periods, and your flow may be heavy. It can also occur throughout the month.
➡️ Infertility
PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility, though it varies from woman to woman.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to consider going to the doctor to determine if you have PCOS. 👩🏾⚕️
And if you have PCOS, please don’t give up! PCOS IS often reversible with the appropriate investigation and lifestyle treatments. If you’re in the Philly area or surrounding suburbs, make an appointment at Synergize DPC. We take a wholistic and personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. 🙌🏾
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