Have you ever had irregular menstruation? The skin is always covered with acne? Overweight? Or can’t conceive a baby for a long time after marriage?
These symptoms seem unrelated, but behind them may be a common endocrine disease of women of childbearing age-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In recent years, the incidence rate of PCOS has increased year by year, and the incidence rate in China is about 5% ~ 10%.
However, there are still many women suffering from PCOS who lack attention to this. Let’s learn about seven possible signs of PCOS. If you or your female friends around you have similar troubles, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.
1. Irregular menstruation
Some women may think that menstruation is irregular a few days earlier or later each month. In fact, if you carefully calculate the interval between each menstruation, you will find that the number of days always hovers around a certain number.
The real irregular menstruation refers to the complete irregularity of the menstrual cycle, for example, menstruation will come several times a month, always dripping wet, or menstruation only comes once every few months.
Most PCOS is characterized by less menstruation and only comes once a few months. In a few cases, excessive menstruation may also indicate suffering from PCOS. PCOS is a gynecological endocrine disease caused by sex hormone secretion imbalance to some extent. Women with PCOS have higher testosterone levels in their bodies than normal women. Testosterone affects the sex hormone levels in women’s bodies, thus affecting the menstrual cycle.
2. Skin problems
Clearly already an adult, but still constantly taking acne? Not only on the face, but also on the back and chest? Have you ever had small pustules in your armpit, breast or groin? Sometimes there is even a strange smell?
These problems may be the manifestation of high testosterone levels. These symptoms can be improved by taking corresponding treatment to reduce testosterone levels.
In addition, do you have small pimples or dark spots on your skin that are flesh-colored or darker? It looks dirty, but it can’t be washed off by rubbing it anyway? This may be acanthosis nigricans, and these symptoms may be related to high insulin levels caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
3. Excessive body hair
Excessive body hair is a typical manifestation of PCOS. Hair is dark and thick, distributed in the central part of the body, such as between breasts, around navel, groin, inner thigh and back. These are also related to high testosterone levels, suggesting that PCOS may occur.
4. Unexplained weight gain
If the weight gradually or rapidly increases by 5 ~ 10kg within a few months, but no obvious reason for what can be found, the possibility of PCOS needs to be ruled out. If most of the increased weight is concentrated in the abdomen or the central part of the body, more attention should be paid to it.
70% of PCOS patients are accompanied by high levels of insulin. Insulin is a powerful growth hormone. Its function in the body is to reduce blood sugar, promote the synthesis of fat and protein, and increase body weight.
STEP 5 Appetite Increases
Some women’s desire for food continues unabated even after meals. They are always tempted to eat all kinds of bread products, candy or other sweets, and this strong desire just indicates that there may be some metabolic problems in the body.
A strong craving for sweets may be a sign of high insulin levels in the body. About half of PCOS patients have insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Simply put, such metabolic imbalance will lead to increased appetite and may also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
6. Infertility
Infertility is defined as no contraceptive measures and no pregnancy after at least 12 months of normal sex.
PCOS can lead to ovulation disorder and cause female infertility. After treatment, improving ovulation can increase the chances of female conception.
7. Recurrent abortion
PCOS may be the culprit if it has been suffering from miscarriage. Studies have shown that high testosterone levels or high insulin levels in PCOS may lead to an increased risk of miscarriage for women. If there is such a problem, it is advisable to consult a specialist and jointly choose an appropriate treatment plan to minimize the risk of miscarriage in the future.
If problems are found, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
If you or the female friends around you have one or more of the above symptoms, you need to pay enough attention and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
However, it is worth noting that polycystic ovary syndrome is an exclusive disease, which means that PCOS can only be diagnosed if other diseases that may cause similar symptoms are excluded. Therefore, most PCOS patients need multiple visits before formal diagnosis.
Dr. Clove’s friendly reminder here is that we should believe in the judgment of doctors in regular hospitals, cooperate with doctors to carry out various examinations, and have enough patience in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.