What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Thanks!

Re: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

my symptoms are:

60+ days with no period

skin issues - discoloration, increased excema and hives for no reason, AWFUL acne on my face

increased hair growth - gross sideburns, fuzzy chin/cheeks

no ovulation

Re: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

According to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center:


Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Signs and Symptoms

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which a woman's body produces abnormally high levels of the male hormone, called androgens. These high levels of androgens prevent the ovaries from producing enough progesterone, which is necessary for a normal menstrual cycle. This results in undeveloped egg follicles, which turn into small cysts in the ovaries that prevent ovulation.

PCOS affects approximately five to ten percent of women of childbearing age and is a leading cause of infertility. The condition is also the most common hormonal disorder among pre-menopausal women.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, research suggests that genetics may play a part, since women who have female relatives with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing the syndrome. Obesity, diabetes, being insulin resistant and having problems with the adrenal, thyroid or pituitary glands may also contribute to PCOS.

PCOS is diagnosed and treated at our UCSF Multidisciplinary PCOS Clinic, where women's health experts offer an integrated approach to treating PCOS. Our team includes specialists in reproductive endocrinology, dermatology, nutrition, exercise physiology, psychology and genetics. We work with each woman to develop a personalized treatment plan that best meets her lifestyle and needs. Our clinic is also developing a psycho-educational group and exercise program. Patients are also invited to participate in our PCOS research program, which aims to better understand the cause of PCOS and improve treatments.

Symptoms of PCOS:

Symptoms develop within a few years of puberty, though sometimes they appear later in life. Symptoms may worsen during a woman's prime reproductive years — between the ages of 20 and 40 — particularly in women who gain a significant amount of weight.

Symptoms of PCOS vary for each woman. However, common symptoms may include:

* Irregular periods
* Excess body or facial hair
* Acne
* Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

PCOS may also be associated with depression, difficulty getting pregnant, predisposition to type II diabetes and other long-term health problems.




Here is the link if you want more information:
UCSF Medical Center

Re: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Irregular cycles: no periods, few periods or excessive bleeding (I had this)

Excess facial or body hair, specifically, hair on the face, neck, breasts, chest and abdomen that has become darker or thicker over time (I had this)

Acne (I had this)

Sudden unexplained weight gain, especially which coincides with stopping hormone therapy such as birth control pills or other contraceptive medications such as depo provera and norplant (This was one of my biggest symptoms. I was the same weight for a while and one day I decided to switch BC methods from the Ring to the Depo shot...my body FREAKED OUT. I got hairy, my skin got soooo bad, and I packed on weight like it was my job, even though I had just bought a treadmill and spend about 4-5 hrs a week on it.

Difficulty keeping weight down (I had this)

Feeling dizzy or light-headed and losing concentration or emotional control two or more hours after a meal (I had this, but assumed it was stress)

Darkened patches of skin on the neck, groin, under arms or in skin folds (I had this too)

Skin tags

Elevated cholesterol, especially LDL, and/or triglycerides (My LDL has always tested a little high - for as long as I can remember. In fact, it was even a little high on my bloodwork report from when I was 19 and had ruptured cyst issues)

Family history of diabetes or heart disease

Depression or anxiety

Re: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

I have PCOS. Pretty much everything Shorty mentioned above I have.

Re: What are the symptoms of PCOS?

For me, the biggest symptom was not getting my period for months at a time.
I do have some extra hairyness, but none ofthe other symptoms.