Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious hormonal imbalance that can wreak havoc in your everyday life. When you don’t have the right levels of estrogen and progesterone, ovarian cysts can grow and affect countless areas of your body, from your mental health to your fertility.
The cause of PCOS is unknown, but genetic components are at play. If you have a family history of the condition, you’re more likely to experience PCOS.
PCOS can affect your life in many ways.
It Throws Your Cycle Off
Whenever you have irregular periods, it usually means something isn’t quite right with your reproductive health. This could mean you miss a few periods in a row, or you get your period too often. Track your cycle and see if there are irregularities. If so, let your doctor know.
It Causes Abnormal Hair Growth
Women with the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS often start to grow hair where they wouldn’t normally, such as the face, nipples, chest and belly. Accompanied by other symptoms, this is definitely a sign you should visit your doctor. High levels of the androgen hormone could be prompting this excessive hair growth.
It Triggers Acne Breakouts
Androgens also contribute to breakouts. If you notice an unusual amount of acne, it could be related to PCOS, especially if this acne is popping up on the face, back and chest.
It Prompts Abdominal Weight Gain
PCOS can lead to excessive weight gain the abdominal region, and doctors believe it has to do with an increased resistance to insulin as a result of hormonal imbalances. If you’re finding it hard to lose weight no matter what you eat or how often you exercise, PCOS could be to blame.
It Makes it Hard to Get Pregnant
PCOS causes abnormal ovulation, and without ovulation, you can’t get pregnant. If ovulation difficulties are to blame for your infertility, PCOS may be the root of the problem.
It Can Affect Mental Health
Women who have PCOS are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety. The correlation between PCOS and mental health is still being explored, but talk to your doctor about possible treatments, both for PCOS and anxiety or depression. You deserve care to regulate both your physical and mental health.
It’s a Compounding Problem
While PCOS can cause many of these symptoms, they can lead to other subsequent problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol or hypertension, usually because of an inability to lose weight. It’s important to treat PCOS promptly to limit its negative effects on your health and your life. Make an appointment with Rocky Mountain Women’s Health Center today if you have any of these symptoms.
