Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health problem that affects 1 in 10 females of reproductive age. (1) Learn about the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, how it affects your health, and your chances of getting pregnant and giving birth?


What are the symptoms of PCOS?


Most often, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in females begin to appear and develop from the time of the first menstrual period after puberty, but it is possible to begin at an older age as well. (2)


About 70% of affected women do not know that they have cysts, since the symptoms can be mild or vary in severity. (3)Some women may complain of minor symptoms while others complain of more severe symptoms. (4)


The most common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can be explained as follows:


1.Irregular menstrual cycle and missed or interrupted periods

So that the menstrual cycle occurs only less than 8 times during the year, and the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding may increase in some cases. (4)


2.Increase body hair

Approximately 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome suffer from hirsutism in specific places, such as: the face, arms, chest, and abdomen. (5)


3. Acne

The risk of developing acne and pimples on specific areas of your body, such as the face, chest, and back, may increase due to hormonal changes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, and it may be difficult to treat and get rid of acne. (5)


4.overweight

About 40-80% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome suffer from abdominal obesity, and they may also notice difficulty in losing excess weight and reaching the ideal weight. (5)(6)


5.Hormonal disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome causes disturbances in the level of some hormones, such as an increase in the male hormone, and a weak response of the body’s cells to insulin, which is known as insulin resistance, and this increases your risk of developing diabetes. (5)


Other symptoms

Other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include: (6)

  • Alopecia (hair loss).
  • Dark or thick skin patches on various areas of the body, such as: posterior area of the neck, armpits, and under the breasts, which indicate insulin resistance.
  • Enlarged ovaries or presence of cysts.
  • Skin lumps on certain areas of the body such as the armpits and neck.
  • Mood swings (7)
  • Pelvic pain. (7)
  • Sleep disturbances. (8)
  • Headache.(9)


How does polycystic ovary syndrome affect pregnancy?

Having polycystic ovary syndrome does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. Most women with polycystic ovary syndrome are able to become pregnant after following a healthy lifestyle and using the treatment prescribed by the doctor.


It is worth noting that polycystic ovary syndrome reduces the chances of pregnancy in several ways, the most important of which is: It causes irregular ovulation, thus making it difficult to know your fertile days. It also decreases ovulation and may stop it in severe cases. Getting treatment prevents the effect of polycystic ovary syndrome on your chances of getting pregnant and giving birth. (1)(4)


How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?

The doctor will ask you about the nature of the symptoms you are experiencing, the nature of your menstrual cycle, and your entire medical history, in order to look for symptoms and signs indicating polycystic ovary syndrome. He may request a set of tests, such as: (10)

  • Blood tests; To measure the level of hormones in the blood.
  • Ultrasound imaging; To confirm the presence of cysts on the ovary.


How does polycystic ovary syndrome affect your health?

If you do not receive the correct diagnosis and treatment, polycystic ovary syndrome may increase your chance of developing a number of diseases and complications, such as: (9)

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • Dyslipidemia.
  • Hypertension.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea.




Book an appointment with one of our specialist doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital if you are suffering from symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, to receive the accurate medical evaluation and health care you need to protect you from any health complications.




References:

  1. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is,and treatable cause of infertility.
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
  3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=The condition affects an estimated,particular related to metabolic problems
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/symptoms/
  5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
  6. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos#:~:text=PCOS is a very common,, infertility, and weight gain.
  7. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-pcos
  8. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos#symptoms-of-pcos
  9. https://ada.com/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
  10. https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/pcos