PCOS affects women differently from men; women who suffer from PCOS usually have higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones that cause unwanted hair growth and acne) in addition to having thick uterus linings or cysts on their ovaries.
An examination and blood work can assist in diagnosing PCOS. Common symptoms of the condition may include missed periods, acne breakouts and abdominal fat build-up (commonly known as “PCOS belly”). Blood tests can check for insulin resistance or hormone imbalance as part of diagnosis.
1. Do you have irregular periods?
PCOS is a hormonal condition, and can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, facial and body hair growth, acne breakouts and difficulty getting pregnant. Additionally, PCOS increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Diagnosing PCOS typically involves speaking to your physician about symptoms while having blood tests conducted and possibly an ultrasound performed – however other health issues could cause similar symptoms so it’s essential that a proper diagnosis be made in order for effective treatment options to be prescribed.
Irregular periods occur when your ovaries fail to release healthy eggs on time each month, leading to decreased progesterone and potentially impairing fertility. If this has been happening for more than three years, you should seek medical advice immediately from a specialist.
If you have a family history of PCOS or are overweight, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test as part of their evaluation process. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs; in particular it can be used to examine your ovaries for signs of cysts as well as the thickness of your endometrium (the inner lining of the womb). This painless test can give an idea of the size and condition of these structures.
Your healthcare provider may wish to test for elevated levels of androgens – male hormones produced naturally. Furthermore, cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been linked with PCOS.
Changing lifestyle factors and taking medications, if prescribed for PCOS, can help regulate menstrual cycles more regularly, reduce symptoms, lower your risk for other health issues and help you become pregnant if that is your goal. Lifestyle modifications could include losing weight if overweight, exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet; medicines prescribed may include birth control pills and metformin.
2. Do you have acne?
As a woman, irregular periods, stray hairs and weight gain may seem like inevitable parts of being female. But these symptoms could actually be symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Achieve comfort during your period while planning pregnancy by getting diagnosed as soon as possible for long-term health benefits and comfort in general.
Acne is a skin condition caused by increased levels of androgens (like testosterone). Dietary factors containing chocolate or nuts may contribute as well as friction or pressure on the skin from clothing or helmets that is tight fitting or wears away at its integrity, as this could trigger acne breakouts.
Acne can be distressing and cause significant disruptions in relationships and work or school performance, yet thankfully it is treatable.
3. Do you have thinning hair?
Stress, recent lifestyle changes (extreme weight loss or giving birth), high androgens levels (male hormones that women also produce), or nutrient deficiencies caused by using certain hair products or not getting enough iron, folic acid and zinc are among the many nongenetic reasons that could be contributing to your hair thinning. All these issues can temporarily cause hair loss – however if addressed they should eventually return as expected.
Thinning hair refers to a reduction in scalp density, meaning more individual hair strands are being shed than normal. You might notice it first when running your fingers through your hair and feeling that it feels thinner than usual or when more individual strands than usual are appearing in your shower drain or on your brush than usual. Women generally lose about 100 hair strands per day on average but should consult their physician if this appears more concentrated in some areas; you might require prescription-strength shampoo for added thinning protection.
4. Do you have weight gain?
Women living with PCOS are at greater risk for an “PCOS belly,” or abdominal weight gain due to insulin resistance and higher levels of androgens, because hormones disrupt how insulin is utilized by their bodies; sugar and starches that could otherwise have been converted to energy instead become stored as fat – this symptom being just one manifestation of PCOS.
As there is no single test to diagnose PCOS, doctors conduct an interview and physical exam to ascertain your symptoms before conducting a pelvic ultrasound (sonogram) to detect cysts on ovaries and uterus or an unusually thicker-than-usual womb lining. They may also run blood tests to measure testosterone and other hormone levels; screen for diabetes and cholesterol issues as well as evaluate your risk of heart disease.
If you suspect PCOS, especially if you’re trying to become pregnant, seeing a physician immediately is imperative. PCOS can lead to infertility as well as increase your risk for other health complications like heart disease, metabolic syndrome, depression, sleep apnea and endometrial cancer.
Monash University offers this quick quiz that evaluates your risk for PCOS. It can provide a useful way of assessing symptoms without needing to visit a physician; though this test doesn’t replace medical advice. A similar quiz, from EndocrineWeb, has seven questions and also assesses your risk.
5. Do you have a family history of PCOS?
PCOS is one of the primary causes of infertility among women trying to become pregnant, since its hormonal imbalance affects egg development and prevents ovulation – without which sperm cannot fertilize an egg and you won’t become pregnant. If your family history involves infertility or other reproductive health problems, seek medical advice immediately about possible PCOS.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and family ties in relation to any possible issues with hormone levels (including higher insulin levels). They may ask whether other family members have experienced similar difficulties. As this condition runs in families it may have an influence.
If you suspect PCOS, your doctor may conduct both a pelvic exam and blood tests to diagnose it. A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your ovaries and uterus that enable doctors to detect cysts (collections of 12 or more egg follicles that are larger than usual) in your ovaries; blood tests can check your ovulation, sex hormone levels, symptoms, etc.
A lipid profile test can help your doctor assess your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may be out of range in some individuals with PCOS. Your physician may advise taking birth control pills containing lab-made estrogen and progestin to regulate menstruation cycle; acne treatments; thinning hair treatments; weight gain prevention treatments as well as decreasing chances of miscarriage or birth defects such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes may also benefit (other ways include refraining from smoking or using barrier methods when engaged in sexual relations.)