PCOS Symptoms & Their Meaning
Understanding PCOS: What Your Symptoms Are Telling You
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, yet it's still widely misunderstood. If you’re experiencing symptoms and wondering what they mean, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
1. Irregular Periods
One of the hallmark signs of PCOS is a disrupted menstrual cycle—your periods may come too frequently, not at all, or unpredictably. This happens because PCOS interferes with quantities of our male & female sex hormones. This can lead to lack of ovulation and irregular cycles.
2. Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
Noticing thicker or darker hair on your face, chest, or back? This can be caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones that all women have in small amounts). In PCOS, the body can produce too many androgens, leading to more visible hair in places it wouldn’t usually grow.
3. Acne or Oily Skin
Similarly, higher androgen levels can also increase oil production, clogging pores and leading to breakouts—especially around the jawline and chin.
4. Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
Many people with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, which makes it harder for the body to use insulin effectively. This can lead to weight gain, specifically around the abdomen.
5. Thinning Hair on the Scalp
While excess body hair can increase, hair on the scalp might thin—another side effect of excess androgens.
6. Fatigue or Mood Swings
Hormonal imbalances can affect everything from your energy levels to your mental health. If you’re feeling unusually tired, anxious, or down, it could be tied to PCOS.
What It All Means
PCOS is not just a reproductive condition—it’s a complex hormonal and metabolic syndrome that affects your whole body. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor or dietitian. With the right support, PCOS is manageable, and understanding your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better in your body.
