5 Key Signs You May Have PCOS

Affecting 6-12% of women in the United States who are of reproductive age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong condition involving imbalances in your hormones.

You might not realize you have PCOS for a long time because its symptoms are so widespread. The team at FemmPro OB/GYN in Garden City and Massapequa, New York, will help you connect the dots to see if PCOS is the root cause of your symptoms.

In this blog, you’ll learn about five key signs of PCOS and the treatments that might reduce them.

5 main symptoms of PCOS

PCOS causes an ongoing hormone imbalance involving the hormones that come from your ovaries. Your ovaries produce more hormones called androgens, which can lead to the following signs:

1. Irregular periods

Do you have trouble predicting when your period will come and how long it’ll last? Irregular periods, heavy periods, or a lack of a period altogether can all be signs of PCOS. 

Collectively, these symptoms are called abnormal bleeding. Let us know if your periods are unpredictable or difficult in any way. 

2. Changes in your hair growth

Because of the involved hormone imbalances, PCOS can lead to changes in the way your hair grows on your head, face, and body. You might notice more hair growth on your chin, neck, and sideburns, or you may see a bald spot appearing on the crown of your head. 

If you notice unusual hair growth or hair loss, it may be linked to a PCOS-related hormone imbalance. 

3. Changes in your skin

Your skin may also change in a few ways with PCOS. PCOS-related skin changes may include:

• Skin tags
• Acne
• Skin darkening in creases
• General skin inflammation

Acne related to PCOS can be particularly deep, inflamed, or long-lasting. Let us know if you have persistent skin issues that might be related to PCOS. 

4. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Between 40-80% of people with PCOS also live with obesity. If you have trouble managing your weight or if you gain weight easily without a clear cause, PCOS-related hormone imbalances might be at play. 

Keep in mind that not everyone with these symptoms has PCOS, and not everyone with PCOS has these symptoms. There may be other causes too that we should consider. 

5. Trouble getting pregnant

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility. Infertility happens when you’re under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year, or over 35 and have been trying for six months, and it hasn’t happened. 

We can help you determine if your fertility complications stem from PCOS, another gynecological condition, or your partner. 

How PCOS is treated

PCOS isn’t curable, but treatment can help reduce or reverse some symptoms. Lifestyle changes alone can make a difference, and your provider might recommend modifying your diet to get the nutrients your body needs most. 

Treatment for PCOS symptoms can include: 

• Hormonal contraception to regulate your hormones (if you’re not planning on getting pregnant)
• Other medications that affect your hormones
• Hair removal procedures for excessive face or body hair
• Professionally guided weight management
• Acne medications or topical products
• Fertility treatments (if you are planning on getting pregnant)

Talk to the team at FemmPro OB/GYN about your PCOS symptoms and the best ways to manage them tailored to your evolving needs.

Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at FemmPro OB/GYN today.