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It is one of the main causes of infertility, affecting approximately one in 10 women of childbearing age.
The telltale symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as heavy/irregular periods, acne, and weight gain, can be easily confused with other causes.
On top of that, experts say there are less common signs of the hormonal condition that aren’t typically talked about, including sleeping difficulties, depression and skin problems…
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a hormonal imbalance that can lead to mood swings, hair loss, and skin conditions.
Difficulty to sleep
It may seem strange that a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels can also disrupt her sleep.
But that is precisely what studies have shown.
An academic paper found that women with PCOS are up to 10 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
That 2011 study, written by an endocrinologist at the University of Chicago, compared the risk in obese women, who are typically at higher risk for this condition, a leading cause of snoring.
Those who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night.
It can cause sleep disturbances and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, says Jodie Relf, ​​a registered dietitian who specializes in helping women with PCOS.
Difficulty sleeping and sleep apnea are common in overweight women and especially if they also have polycystic ovary syndrome.
skin tags
Skin tags, unlike warts and moles, are soft growths that are usually small and harmless.
They usually grow where the skin rubs, such as on the neck and under the arms.
However, experts say that hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS can also trigger its growth.
“These are small lumps of skin that can appear around the neck, under the arms or along the bra line,” says Ms. Relf. supplement brand spokesperson meowá.
dark skin spots
In addition to skin tags and acne, PCOS can causecanthosis nigricans.
“These are dark patches of skin most commonly seen under the arms or around the neck,” says Ms Relf.
It is associated with insulin resistance, as are skin tags. The NHS says many people with PCOS “are resistant to the action of insulin in their body”, a hormone that helps remove sugar from the blood.
Experts say the hormone can stimulate skin cells and cause them to grow too quickly, resulting in dark spots.
Excess androgenic hormones can also cause acne, thinning hair, hair loss, and limp hair that breaks easily.
Humor changes
Mood changes are also symptoms that affect women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Having polycystic ovary syndrome can increase your chances of developing depression in the future, says the NHS. This is “because the symptoms of PCOS can affect confidence and self-esteem,” she adds.
Fertility problems, weight gain, and painful periods are three common symptoms.
Recent international guidelines on PCOS say that up to 80 percent of sufferers experience depression and 70 percent experience anxiety, Relf says.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects the functioning of a woman’s ovaries. It can cause irregular periods, but also sleep problems, skin problems and mood swings.
Baldness
Hair loss is another reported symptom of PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome develops when the ovaries begin to release excess androgens; These are “male” hormones like testosterone that women produce in small amounts.
Excessive stimulation of the follicles by androgens can cause hair thinning.
This type of hair loss usually causes hair to fall on the sides of the scalp and the part area can become much thinner, experts say.
Although, just as a hormonal imbalance causes hair loss, it also causes excessive hair growth, usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks, according to the NHS.
low libido
Having a low libido is common in people with PCOS, but it’s not something many people talk about, Relf says.
She believes the side effect of PCOS is related to trust.
She said: “It could be related to the low self-esteem experienced due to the symptoms associated with PCOS.”