The previous article went back to basics to help you understand what PCOS actually is. You now know that it is a rather complex hormonal condition that can manifest itself in a diversity of ways. This article will provide you with an overview of possible symptoms. If you haven't been diagnosed yet but recognise the symptoms, it could help you open a dialogue with your doctor. Disclaimer : This article is not intended as a diagnosis tool. In case of doubt, always seek medical advice first and foremost!
Symptoms Impacting our Menstrual Cycle
Irregularity or Absence of Menstrual Cycle
Most often, this is one of the most blatant signs: menstrual cycles of women with PCOS can be irregular while some may not even have periods. This is because the hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS can block ovulation and lead to an accumulation of immature follicles in the ovaries.
As a result, your menstrual cycles can be very long (over 40 days), but also irregular (you never know exactly when your periods will arrive). In some cases, the hormonal imbalance is rooted in, and you may not have had periods for several months (or even years).
Infertility
The irregularity or absence of a menstrual cycle is the main infertility factor in women with PCOS: the fewer ovulations you have, the lower your chances of getting pregnant (only about 25% chance of getting pregnant each ovulatory cycle when everything is normal!).
If you have been on contraceptive pills since your first period, you may feel like you have a regular cycle.
However, certainty cannot be established because the pill mimics the menstrual cycle: for three weeks, you receive a supply of hormones (estrogens, progesterone), and then the hormone supply stops, triggering bleeding (which can be confused with periods). Similarly, when on the pill, hormonal tests may not be meaningful.
You may only find out whether your cycles are regular or not through stopping the pill.
Symptoms Impacting Your Metabolism
Weight Gains or Difficulty Losing Weight
Not all women with PCOS have weight problems, but it affects the majority of them. It's a vicious circle because being overweight is a worsening factor for PCOS symptoms.
Always keep in mind that it's not your fault: contrary to what most people think, being overweight is not just a matter of willpower.
Your syndrome may slow down and even halt weight loss. If you are in this situation, it is essential to seek advice from a specialized healthcare professional you trust.
With advice on diet, physical activity, and dietary supplements, they can make it easier for you to lose weight stress-free, while addressing your syndrome comprehensively.
Sugar Cravings and Insulin Resistance
About 70% of women with PCOS are insulin resistant. This can come as very strong sugar cravings throughout the day, as if you were regularly "running out of fuel."
There are often confusions between insulin resistance and weight but they are not necessarily related. Some insulin-resistant women have a below average to normal BMI.
Certain factors exacerbate insulin resistance:
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an inappropriate diet (for example, too much quick sugars),
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obesity
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lack of physical activity.
Insulin resistance can be diagnosed through various biological tests and should be the subject of comprehensive management (diet + lifestyle + dietary supplements).
Symptoms Impacting Your Skin or Hair
Acne
This is undoubtedly one of the symptoms that causes the most hang-ups. There are many possible causes of PCOS-related acne:
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elevated androgens
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insulin resistance
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chronic inflammation in the body
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a tired liver
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an imbalance in your intestinal microbiota...
Not to mention the complexity of finding a beauty routine with products suitable for your skin!
Managing acne can be long and complex. To avoid getting lost in various trials and errors (dietary exclusions, new beauty routines, antibiotics, dietary supplements), seek guidance from a doctor/naturopath/dietician specialised in female hormonal imbalance: this way, you will save precious time!
Hirsutism
It's not necessarily the most common symptom, but when present, it's one of the most challenging to manage.
Hirsutism can be very disabling for us, affected women: hair growth occurs in typically masculine areas (face, chest, back, the midline between the navel and the pubis).
Hirsutism can be managed with "mechanical" solutions (shaving, waxing, laser - part of which may be reimbursed by your healthcare service) as well as prescription medications (including some contraceptive pills).
Managing your PCOS through lifestyle and dietary supplements can help you achieve good results in terms of unwanted hair growth. However, patience is key!
Hair loss
Again, it's a consequence of hyperandrogenism: hair can become soft, dull, and break more easily. PCOS can lead to "androgenic alopecia," which means hair falling out in certain typical areas (receding front hairline, on the crown/vertex of the scalp, and on the temples).
If you notice abnormal hair loss, you should seek medical advice as other pathologies may be involved (including anaemia, hypothyroidism, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, acute or chronic stress, emotional shock, etc.).
Rest assured that though hair loss is often impressive, it can be reversed: once your PCOS is under control, things may gradually return to normal. Some dietary supplements and targeted treatments can also provide support.
Symptoms Impacting Your Mood and Energy
Anxiety, Mood Swings, Depression
Women have a cyclical nature, and hormones largely regulate mood and morale throughout the menstrual cycle.
In a context of hormonal imbalance, it is understandable that you may experience mood swings, even if it is not always easy to manage on a daily basis.
The physical changes caused by PCOS (weight gain, acne, hirsutism) can also be a source of anxiety and even a cause of depression for some of us. Weight and insulin resistance can also lead to eating disorders (ED) - according to studies, 11% of women with PCOS may be affected by ED (bulimia, anorexia, binge eating...).
These issues should be taken seriously: if you feel concerned, do not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is characterised by tiredness lasting for more than 6 months, despite a decent amount of sleep (between 7 and 9 hours depending on your needs).
Often, women with PCOS affected by chronic fatigue report a feeling of exhaustion (sometimes even upon waking up), muscle pain, a lack of motivation for daily tasks, etc.
In fact, it is the very quality of sleep that is to blame: women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from insomnia, night sweats, sleep apnea, etc, all of which can lead to unrefreshing sleep and fatigue accumulation.
Low Libido
Of all the symptoms, it is often the least talked-about...probably because it's the most taboo. However, it is very real: women with PCOS are more affected by a lack of libido than others.
There are several causes for this phenomenon: hormonal imbalance, decreased self-esteem (due to overweightness, acne, hirsutism...).
When we encounter difficulties with this, it is essential for us to find methods to reclaim our femininity and regain self-confidence, including in our body. If you are in a relationship, it is crucial to communicate with your partner on this subject, sharing your feelings, desires, and blocks.
Every women is different
Congratulations if you've made it this far! We've covered a fairly comprehensive overview of the symptoms that we, women with PCOS, may experience. Of course, every woman is different, and you may perceive things differently. Having one or more of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have PCOS.
Conversely, you could be affected by this syndrome without experiencing any specific symptoms. For some women, PCOS is only noticeable through ultrasound (multifollicular appearance of ovaries) and blood tests. In doubt, always remember that seeking medical advice is essential. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments!
