Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimation revealed that over 116 million women (3.4%) are affected by PCOS worldwide (Bharathi et al., 2017).

In this blog, I am going to talk about the common symptoms of PCOS ( Polycystic ovary syndrome) in women, some doable recommendations and we will also talk about how PCOS affects women emotionally.

7 Common Symptoms of PCOS: Know the Signs

What is PCOS? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance caused by the ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) creating excess male hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced.

However the exact cause of PCOS is not clear. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can’t use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse. Sometimes it is also hereditary.

Here are some very common signs and symptoms of PCOS:

1.) Weight gain

2.) Irregular periods – missed periods, irregular cycles, spotting.

3.) Infertility – difficulty in conceiving because of irregular ovulation or no ovulation

4) Change in skin condition – excess oily skin and acne-prone

5.) Hair loss or sometimes unusual hair growth

6.) Mood disorder

7) Tiredness/fatigue

Risks surrounding PCOS in women

Worldwide, PCOS affects 6% to 10% of women, making it the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. By age 40, 40% of women with PCOS will develop pre-diabetes or diabetes. The United States spends an estimated $4 billion annually to identify and manage PCOS.

Apart from the mentioned PCOS symptoms checklist, women also face a lot of sleep disturbances and restlessness, health issues, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and mood disorders.

PCOS can increase your chances of developing other health-related problems as well, what are the first signs of PCOS?

• Diabetes – a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high
• Mood swings and irritability–  the symptoms of PCOS are so draining that sometimes it can affect your confidence and self-esteem
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol 
• Disturbed sleep patterns – overweight women may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep
• Endometrial cancer– A very rare risk but women who have had absent or very irregular periods for many years have a higher than average risk of developing cancer of the womb lining.

PCOS and Emotional health

If a woman has to go through all of the above physical symptoms, just imagine the amount of mental strain it will cause to her. One of the major common symptoms of PCOS is that it delays pregnancy and society even makes it tougher by asking about pregnancy and giving their never-ending uncalled advice. PCOS is believed to be associated with worse symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, and somatization. 

It obviously takes a huge toll on women’s emotional health. The weight gain, fear of developing other health issues then unhealthy lifestyle and unsupportive environment just keep on adding to the stress. It is very important to not only stay sane amid the chaos but also take complete charge of your life in such a situation.

I agree PCOS doesn’t have a guaranteed treatment but there are ways we can work towards reducing the risk, adopting a few lifestyle changes, dietary changes to control the weight gain, adopting a few healthy habits, practising self-control and self-discipline and I feel half the battle will be won.

A few recommendations to cope with PCOS by the Natasha Brand

After knowing the symptoms and what risk PCOS could bring along with it, now it is imperative we discuss a few countermeasures to reduce the risks of PCOS.

While most supplements could cause long-term issues, Natasha’s Harmony works by balancing blood sugar levels throughout the day and remains 100% all-natural. Regulating the usual “unhealthy” cravings you get that lead to unwanted weight gain or the ” skinny Fit ” feeling.

The Best Thing? By bringing everything back to balance, Natasha’s Harmony works with your body, not against it and here is how:

1.) Improved diet–The connection between the food we eat and our body’s overall health and well-being is undeniable. If you want to change your diet to lose some weight and improve your chances of conceiving, then some foods should be avoided. You can also look for natural appetite suppressants for weight loss. There is a range of product lines of all-natural, vegan, gluten-free women’s hormonal health supplements.

2.) Supplements — There were times when people would avoid using supplements, but nowadays we get the best essential vitamins, minerals, and iron supplements important for our body. We even get the best weight loss supplements for weight loss & blood sugar support. The right Supplements can be helpful in women’s health issues, including hormonal issues like PMS, PCOS, weight gain, stress and many more!

3.) Natural foods – If you’re trying to improve your chances of conceiving by how you eat, the bottom line is to pursue a healthy weight (whether you reach it or not), and to eat a healthy diet full of whole, plant-based foods.

4.) Daily exercise – Losing weight is very challenging for women wiht PCOS conditions due to the increased insulin levels and hormonal imbalance. Including exercise and moderate walking in your daily regime can improve your quality of life in a lot many ways. Regular exercise is an effective way to improve insulin levels in PCOS.

5.) Increase water intake – Water! Aah! I just drank a glass of water before writing this point. Taking sufficient fluids is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. You can also consume warm after, known to be effective for PCOS.

6.) Sleep hygiene– Women with PCOS often report problems such as insomnia or poor sleep. Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance. According to experts, sleep hygiene is regarded as one of the most important items of lifestyle modification in PCOS patients.

7.) Discipline in daily routine- One of the common symptoms of PCOS is also the poor quality of life. A healthy diet and more physical activity can help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. And, you need to follow a disciplined and structured daily routine to help yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)