Discover common, and uncommon, PCOS signs and symptoms

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Do you have many PCOS signs and symptoms?

For many cysters, the process of being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not as simple as it should be. There can be a period of time spent seeing different doctors and wondering what is happening to your body. PCOS signs and symptoms can vary considerably, which is often part of the challenge.

The PCOS Diagnosis is Often a Long and Frustrating Fight

The research shows that:

“89% of people with PCOS saw more than one health professional before their diagnosis.

49% took more than six months to have a diagnosis confirmed.

41% were very dissatisfied with the way they were informed of their diagnosis.

66% of cysters were not given any information about their condition at the time of diagnosis.

Even less advice was given about lifestyle management, or the potential life-threatening, and quality of life-sapping, complications of PCOS – even though 57% of women were sure lifestyle management would make a difference to their condition.”

Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

There are two primary diagnostic criteria used for the diagnosis of PCOS: the Rotterdam Criteria and the NIH/NICHD criteria.

The Rotterdam criteria define PCOS as being present with at least two of the following:

1. Infrequent or absent menstruation
2. Excessive ‘male’ hormones (hyperandrogenism) on blood work or clinical manifestation (like acne or excessive hair growth)
3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

The NIH criteria define PCOS as the presence of hyperandrogenism and infrequent ovulation (oligo-ovulation).

Note: Both of these definitions are after the exclusion of other disorders that could be responsible for the symptomatic picture.

What does a Polycystic Ovary look like?

The definition of a Polycystic Ovary is one in which there is “either 12 or more follicles measuring 2-9mm in diameter and/ or increased ovarian volume (>10cm3)”. The follicles appear in a typical peripheral pattern, also known as the ‘string of pearls’ appearance. An abdominal ultrasound is most commonly used to determine this, along with a transvaginal ultrasound. It’s very important to have your scans performed by an experienced ultrasonographer. It is more accurate to have both abdominal and transvaginal scans performed.

The transvaginal scan may not be performed if you are a virgin or if you refuse.

PCOS Signs And Symptoms

PCOS can present in a myriad of ways.

The picture of an average woman with PCOS is of an overweight woman with irregular, potentially painful, heavy periods, infertility, excessive facial and body hair and acne. However, there is much variation.

PCOS Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Delay of normal menstruation (primary amenorrhea)
• Fewer than regular periods (oligomenorrhea)
• Absent periods, after having previously experienced periods (secondary amenorrhea)
• Menstrual cycles without ovulation (anovulatory cycles)
• Painful periods with abnormal flow
• Excessive body and/or facial hair
• Scalp balding
• Acne
• Polycystic Ovaries on ultrasound
• Infertility
• Overweight or obesity
• Difficulty losing weight
• Elevated insulin levels
• Skin discolouration (acanthosis nigricans)
• Skin tags
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal blood lipid levels
• Cravings
• Mood swings
• Hot flushes
• Sleep apnoea
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

Understanding the correct diagnosis and its implications for you is why this website exists. Explore, learn, and take steps to improve your health. You deserve to be well.

From PCOS to perfect health, with love,

Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com

P.S. Do feel free to share this post. We must share this information with as many cysters, their loved ones, and their health professionals as possible.

 

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