Signs & Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic ovarian disease is a condition that can cause the ovaries to enlarge, and it can cause the outer lining of the ovaries to be covered in small cysts. It is a hormonal imbalance that most commonly strikes women of child-bearing age. It is most commonly diagnosed using a physical examination, a blood test and an imaging test such as an ultrasound. Treatment can range to a suggested change in diet or lifestyle, to a surgical procedure designed to help you ovulate.

Menstruation Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle are the most common indications of polycystic ovarian disease. You might notice that your menstrual cycle is slowly starting to extend past 30 days. You might also start to experience an abnormal amount of menstrual cycles per year. In some cases you'll have eight or less cycles each year or you'll notice that you have gone more than four months without a cycle. Your periods might also start to last longer, or your flow might decrease or increase without warning.

Androgen

• Male characteristics often manifest themselves as a result of an increase in the male hormone androgen. Some symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease associated with an elevated level of androgen include excessive amounts of body and facial hair, facial acne and you'll begin to show signs of pattern baldness.

Weight Gain

• A noticeable symptom of polycystic ovarian disease is chronic weight gain, possibly caused by an increase in appetite. If you have always been fit, you may begin to show signs of obesity. The excessive weight could cause hypertension or high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. You might find it difficult to get back to your ideal weight regardless of changes to your diet and exercise.

Skin Changes

• Some symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease are associated with the appearance and feel of your skin. An oily feeling to your skin and skin discoloration might appear on various areas of your body.

Infertility

• While it is more of a result than a symptom, it is possible that the drastic changes in your menstrual cycle will cause infertility. It is important to get to your doctor immediately as you notice symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease to try and get the condition treated before infertility sets in.