Signs You Have Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common and frequent female endocrine diseases of the reproductive age. It is also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Earlier the disease was called polycystic ovarian disease, which is later corrected as polycystic ovarian syndrome. The term ‘syndrome’ refers to a group of clinical presentations and symptoms associated with any single cause. The exact reason behind the disease is not pointed on to any single reason till now.

Genetic predisposition is considered one of the major reasons of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Polycystic ovarian syndrome has a direct relationship with the lifestyle of teenage girls. Usually, PCOS is detected during an ultrasound scan related to fertility problems or menstrual abnormalities. Enlarged ovaries with numerous small cysts can be found by performing the ultrasound scanning. 

Polycystic ovary is the greatest contributor to female infertility. Constant exposure to the changed levels of hormones will eventually cause many other health complications like diabetes, heart failure, increased cholesterol, alteration in blood pressure, and endometriosis. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment will reduce your risk of infertility and long-term complications. Here are some common findings that may help you understand whether you have polycystic ovaries.

Signs You Have Polycystic Ovaries  

Irregular periods: This is the most common characteristic feature to identify whether you have polycystic ovaries. It may be presented as longer menstrual intervals, failure to menstruate for months or longer and prolonged periods with scant or heavy bleeding.

Acne: Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in the formation of excess acne, which is a clear indication that you have polycystic ovaries. The hormonal imbalance associated with polycystic ovaries will make the skin oily, thereby initiating the production of acne.

Hirsutism: The term hirsutism refers to the growth of excess facial and body hair. Male sex hormones will become more prominent than female hormones when you have polycystic ovaries. This will trigger the formation of excess facial and body hair growth.

Male pattern baldness: Male pattern baldness along with irregular periods is a specific indication that you have polycystic ovaries. This is due to the effect of the hormonal imbalance produced in the body from the increased amount of male hormones.

Sudden weight gain: Weight gain has direct relation with polycystic ovaries. If you notice that you gained considerable weight in a very short time, you have to seek medical advice to confirm whether you have polycystic ovaries.

Voice changes: If you have polycystic ovaries, you tend to have a deep voice with a male tone. This is due to the increase in the male hormones, which will be more when compared to the female hormones, resulting in a hormonal imbalance.

Depression: Hormones have important role in keeping our mood. Mood swings and depression are generally found associated with PCOS due to the constant hormonal imbalance. If you have sadness, lack of energy and low self-esteem along with irregular periods, the cause may be polycystic ovaries.

Skin pigmentation: Do you have dark pigmentation behind or around your neck? If your answer is yes, chances are more that you have polycystic ovaries. Underarm, groin, skin folds, and neck are the most common areas where you can notice dark pigmentation.

Secondary amenorrhea: The term secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual cycle after   you have had one or more normal ones during puberty. This is also related to the associated hormonal imbalance which indicates that you have polycystic ovaries.

Knowing the signs, which indicate that you have polycystic ovaries will be very helpful in detecting the problem in its early stage.

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