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Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, affects one in ten women in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. While there is no exact cause, excess insulin is thought to play a part in a person developing PCOS. That's because increased levels of insulin lead to higher levels of androgen (male) hormones. Early diagnosis of the condition is paramount in controlling symptoms and preventing long-term complications.

  1. Identification

    • Some common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles or no menstruation at all, obesity and excessive hair growth caused by the elevated levels of male hormones.

    Features

    • Other symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome are ovaries that are enlarged with numerous cysts, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, skin tags--and dark, velvety skin under the arms, on the neck and inner thighs, and on the vulva and under breasts.

    Effects

    • Women who suffer from PCOS often have trouble conceiving, and they may require infertility medications. They also have increased risk of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of infertility for women in the U.S.

    Considerations

    • Left untreated, PCOS can lead to other, more serious conditions such as high blood pressure and high triglycerides, low HDL or good cholesterol, cardiovascular problems, sleep apnea, and liver disease.

    Warning

    • Women are at higher risk of developing uterine bleeding and endometrial cancer because PCOS causes a constant supply of estrogen to the uterus.

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