Hair issues
Other observable items on our PCOS symptoms checklist are hair issues.
In PCOS, women may have considerable hair loss, possibly even baldness. However, they may also experience excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in various body parts like the face, chin, chest, stomach, thumbs, and toes.
According to experts, high levels of androgen, a group of hormones responsible for the development of male characteristics, often cause these hair issues in women with PCOS.
Oily skin and acne
The imbalance in reproductive hormones can also result in excess sebum or oil production, which can clog pores and trigger acne and pimples. The breakouts may happen not only on the face but also on the chest and upper back.
Please note that, while acne and pimples are common symptoms, doctors strongly remind us that we shouldn’t rely on them to confirm PCOS. After all, you can develop the breakouts even if you don’t have the condition.
Darkening of the skin
The PCOS symptoms checklist also includes significant darkening of the skin called acanthosis nigricans. If you have this condition, you’ll notice dark, thickened, and velvety patches in different parts of your body, such as the back of your neck, breast, arms, and in your groin area.
Some women with polycystic ovaries may also develop skin tags, little flaps of skin that can form under the arms and in the neck area.
Please note that skin tags and acanthosis nigricans can also be signs of insulin resistance or the body’s inability to respond to insulin, the hormone that allows our cells to absorb sugar.
And it’s not surprising. According to the CDC, most women with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance, which increases their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Overweight or obesity
A lot of women with polycystic ovaries also experience weight gain or difficulty in losing weight. According to experts, weight gain significantly worsens PCOS symptoms, so shedding some pounds must be a priority as it can improve your period’s timing.
Emotional symptoms
Finally, while less noticeable than the physical signs, mental and emotional stress are also a part of the PCOS symptoms checklist.
Women with polycystic ovaries may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor body image that may negatively affect their life quality.
Key Takeaways
Though this PCOS symptoms checklist can serve as a helpful guide, nothing compares with seeking your doctor’s advice. Note that this condition can manifest through even just a few of the aforementioned symptoms.
Learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome here.
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