Six signs you might have PCOS (and not necessarily know it!)
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  • Writer's picturesalifemag
    • Sep 26, 2022

Six signs you might have PCOS (and not necessarily know it!)


September is PCOS Awareness Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on this common condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls of reproductive age. It is the leading cause of infertility in women.


PCOS starts with a reproductive hormone imbalance, which leads to the development of small cysts (sacs of fluid) along the outer edge of the ovary. These cysts are filled with immature eggs called follicles. These eggs may not develop as they should, or they may not be released during ovulation as they should, leading to a host of symptoms and complications.


Despite it affecting around 1 in 10 women, PCOS is still one of the most under diagnosed conditions around. So much so that, of those who have it, only 1 in 3 will be diagnosed. In short, there’s a fair chance you might have it – and a good chance you don’t realise it!


PCOS tends to fly under the radar because the signs can be easy to miss or attributed to something else. In fact, some of the symptoms are so common that you’d be excused for thinking they were just part of your hormonal cycle (think regular breakouts, for example).


It’s important to be aware of the condition and its symptoms, especially since getting the right treatment can be life-changing. While there is no “cure”, there are ways to treat PCOS so that those who have it can overcome their symptoms as well as prevent or reduce their risks of developing related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and endometrial cancer.


These are the top ten PCOS symptoms to look out for:


Infertility

The average woman can expect to release around 300 – 400 eggs to be ovulated over their lifetime, but not all of these will ripen and mature. Commonly, with PCOS there is an imbalance in female sex hormones, which may prevent the development and release of mature eggs. Without a mature egg, ovulation, as well as pregnancy, cannot occur.

Irregular periods

Because PCOS affects ovulation, and PCOS sufferers may not necessarily ovulate every month, some may experience irregular periods. With PCOS it is common to have periods that are more than 35 days apart, and it is also common for periods to last longer than they typically should.


Excess facial and body hair

Hirsutism – a condition among women in which they experience excessive hair growth in a male-like pattern – is a common PCOS symptom. Women may notice dark hair growth on their face, chest and back. This excess hair growth arises from excess male hormones androgen and testosterone.


Weight gain

PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use its insulin hormones to convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This is known as insulin-resistance, and it can cause insulin and sugar to build up in the bloodstream, which in turn, can lead to an increased production of the male hormone androgen – a common cause of weight gain. PCOS sufferers may also struggle to lose weight.


Acne

When you have PCOS, you are likely to have high levels of the hormone androgen (known as hyperandrogenism). Hyperandrogenism causes the glands in the skin to produce an excess of oil (sebum), which can lead to clogged pores and inflammation – hello, acne!


Anxiety and depression

According to Healthline*, studies indicate that between 27% and 50% of women who suffer from PCOS report experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety, compared to around 19% of women who do not have PCOS. There are various reasons for this: depression is often linked to insulin-resistance, to stress, to inflammation and to obesity – all of which are linked to PCOS.


If you suffer from any of these symptoms, or you suspect you might have PCOS, book an appointment with your doctor to get a diagnosis. If it turns out to be PCOS, they will advise the best treatment plan for you, which may include lifestyle changes and medication.


A proven all-natural solution Another way you can ease the symptoms of PCOS is via a proven supplement – Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals.

A great tasting powder that can be added to any liquid, Ovaria contains a blend of all-natural ingredients including Myo-inositol. This naturally-occurring carbohydrate won’t aggravate insulin resistance. Instead, it helps to regulate your body’s response to it, reducing your risk of developing diabetes as well as other PCOS-related complications. Better yet, when you manage your insulin levels, you’ll reduce your androgen levels. As a result, Ovaria can support weight loss while reducing the severity of acne as well as excessive hair growth. The other great thing about Ovaria is that it’s clinically proven. Studies show it can restore the regularity of your menstrual cycle and increase your ovulation rate to enhance your fertility in as little as 16 weeks! The bottom line If you discover that you have PCOS, know that you’re not alone. There are lots of ways you can treat it and one of the most natural, non-prescription as well as proven solutions, is Ovaria. It’s helped ease the PCOS symptoms of hundreds of woman around the globe so why shouldn’t you be one of them?



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