Do you have many PCOS signs and symptoms?
For many women, 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.
In fact, the research shows that:
“89% of women with PCOS saw more than one health professional before their diagnosis.
49% took greater than six months to have a diagnosis confirmed.
41% were very dissatisfied with the manner in which they were informed of their diagnosis.
66% of women were not given any information about their condition at the time of their 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.”
I’ve put together this article to help you better understand more about PCOS, PCOS signs and symptoms, and how it may affect you. Feel free to share this with others. You’d be surprised how many women you know also have PCOS!
Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
There are two main diagnostic criteria used for the diagnosis of PCOS; the Rotterdam Criteria and the NIH/NICHD.
The Rotterdam criteria define PCOS as being present with at least two of the following:
- Infrequent menstruation
- Excessive ‘male’ hormones (hyperandrogenism)
- Poly Cystic 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 Poly Cystic Ovary look like?
The definition of a Poly Cystic 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. This is most commonly determined by ultrasound abdominal, and/or trans-vaginal. 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 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 normal 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
- Poly Cystic 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
If you have some of these PCOS signs and symptoms, there are natural, proven ways to help. To discover more about how to conquer your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, simply click here now.
From PCOS to perfect health, with love,
Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com
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Hi,
I want to know how long will the weird symptoms symbolizing pregnancy last for?
weird symptoms like:
1.Nausea
2.Dizziness
3.Tiredness
4.Sleepiness
5.feeling uneasy to sleep(or awakening in the middle of sleep and feeling uneasy to sleep back)
Thank You
Hi there,
It depends on why they are occurring Priya, and can vary for different women and different pregnancies. Usually, nausea will settle after the first trimester. With PCOS particularly, you need to ensure that your blood sugar levels are ok. Poor blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, for example.
Ensure you are getting enough rest. Tiredness is very common in the first trimester, and towards the end of pregnancy. There is so much going on in your body right now. Make sure that your thyroid and iron levels are ok as well.
I hope this helps?
Dr Rebecca Harwin.
Hi,
I’m trying to figure out if I have PCOS. After 5 years of having anorexia and a 14.5-average BMI (never once got above 17.5) from ages 11-16, I finally recovered, ended up with a BMI of 19.0, and started my period for the first time at age 17. It has been very, very irregular–almost nonexistent some months. This month was the first month that my very low flow (just spots of blood in my discharge) was preceded by a week or so of stomach pain and bloating. I also gained 1.5 pounds over two weeks without changing anything about my lifestyle (2,000 calories a day and 1 hour of cardio 6 days a week). I know this is TMI, but I have had other strange symptoms for the last year or so since recovery–such as breast pain/tenderness, a lot of clear discharge, very (probably abnormally) high sex drive, ravenous hunger for almost any kind of food (although I crave tree nuts), and almost always feeling hot/sweaty. I do have moderate acne (mostly on my back), but I started getting acne at age 7 and only got it to go away all together when my BMI dropped below 15 or so.
I always just blew these things off as my weirdo body being its weirdo self, but now with the bit of weight gain and the stomach pain, I’m wondering if my irregular periods and my symptoms could be linked to PCOS. I’m going to the doctor in a month, but I’m kind of freaked out. I don’t know. Does it sound like I have PCOS? What should I do if so? Is there a way to treat it?
If you can help me, thank you. If not, I understand. Just thought I’d try, because I have been worried for a while now that my body is not normal and needs help. Sorry for all the TMI.
Hi Faith,
I am so sorry about the slow reply. I’ve been in and out of hospital.
How did you get on with the doctor? Have they worked out why you are experiencing those symptoms?
I’ve written an article here about what PCOS is:
https://www.conqueryourpcosnaturally.com/what-is-pcos/
I hope it helps and you already have the answers you need.