Depending on your individual case, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome might present a confusing array of symptoms. Below, we will explore some of the more common symptoms of the disorder.

INFERTILITY:

If you have been trying for over a year to get pregnant, then you may suffer from infertility. This could be a sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, because women afflicted with this disorder simply are not able to ovulate. About half of all women afflicted with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have problems with ovulation and infertility. As PCOS afflicts the body’s metabolic structures, a wide variety of factors can interfere with the woman’s fertility.  

ACNE:

A lot of women afflicted with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome get this unpleasant skin problem. The root of acne is the interaction between hair, hormones, bacteria, and oil secreting glands. It is thought that women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome get acne because excessive levels of male hormones are released in the body and thus affect the skin. This is the same reason why teenagers tend to get acne around the onslaught of puberty. The particular androgen that causes it is called dihydrotesterone, or DHT for short. DHT is believed to stimulate “oil” production, thus causing clogged pores and glands in the skin. Once a pore is clogged, it is unable to release oil. Thus, bacteria grows and multiplies in the follicle, which leads to inflammation of the skin.

HAIR LOSS:

It is estimated that about fifteen percent of the female population in the United States of America deals with some sort of hair loss during their lifetimes. Typically, hair loss occurs gradually, over time, and can occur all over or in patches. Hair loss can be more than just an aesthetic problem; it can psychologically make you feel naked and vulnerable, leading to serious emotional changes in the patient. When hair falls out and new hair does not grow in its place, you might be suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Other symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome include multiple cysts in the ovaries, irregular menses, obesity, excessive facial hair growth, diabetes or insulin resistance, high blood pressure, velvety skin folds, and a number of hormone imbalances. If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor today on the best form of treatment.