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POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects one in 10 women globally – however not all sufferers are actually aware they have it.
In fact, research suggests that nearly 70 per cent of those with the hormonal condition haven’t been diagnosed.
The main symptoms of PCOS are irregular or absent periods and infertility – so many women only discover they have it when they’re struggling to get pregnant.
But, whilst some women may suffer solely period-related symptoms, there are also a whole host of other signs connected to PCOS, many of which you may not be aware of.
Explaining exactly what PCOS is, Jodie Relf, PCOS dietitian and spokesperson for MyOva, says: “It’s one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age.
“The cause is unknown but two very likely contributors are genetic and environmental factors.”
According to the NHS, PCOS is related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin, the hormone that controls sugar levels in the body.
This in turn can lead to an increase in other hormones, such as testosterone.
Jodie says that this excess of androgen (‘male’) hormones like testosterone, as well as excess luteinising hormone and low follicle stimulating hormones, can mean that eggs often aren’t released from the ovaries, so the lining doesn’t shed for a regular period.
“A usual period has a cycle of 28 to 30 days, however a woman with PCOS may have a cycle of 35 days or longer,” says Jodie.
Although there is no cure, Jodie says that it is possible to manage symptoms, which can often be debilitating.
If you’re struggling with any of the below, book an appointment with your GP who can advise you on the next steps – but do remember that there could be a number of other reasons behind these symptoms, other than PCOS.
The signs of PCOS you may not know about
1. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Problems with weight maintenance is a common symptom of PCOS.
Jodie explains: “PCOS causes some sufferers to develop insulin resistance, which essentially means that the body struggles to produce and use insulin as effectively as it should.
“Research shows that high insulin levels are linked with excess body fat – particularly around the abdomen.”
Raised levels of insulin in the blood can lead to intense carbohydrate cravings, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
However, do keep in mind that these symptoms, as well as weight gain, can also be caused by a number of different factors.
2. Acne
According to Jodie, it’s the high levels of androgens (‘male’ hormones) which are responsible for increased oil production in the skin of people with PCOS.
This can result in acne, specifically on the jawline, chin, upper neck, back, and chest.
3. Painful periods, with pain around the ovaries
You may feel a sharp pain in the pelvic region or even a dull ache.
Jodie explains: “Those with PCOS may experience heavy periods which can be quite painful.
“They may also experience pain that is associated with the cysts present on their ovaries.”
4. Skin tags and patches
Small lumps of skin around your neck, under your arms or along your bra line, may be symptoms of PCOS.
Jodie says that these are associated with insulin resistance.
Acanthosis nigrican, the name given to dark patches of skin more commonly seen under the arms or around the neck, are also associated with insulin resistance according to Jodie.
Celebrities with PCOS
- Victoria Beckham was diagnosed with PCOS while trying to conceive her fourth child, Harper Seven.
- Frankie Bridge has opened up about suffering from irregular periods and cyst-y spots due to PCOS.
- Gemma Collins overhauled her diet and lifestyle to give herself the best chance of being a mum after being told PCOS could make it difficult to get pregnant.
- After years of suffering from adult acne, Keke Palmer was diagnosed with PCOS.
- Daisy Ridley has both endometriosis and PCOS.
- Like many women, Sasha Pieterse said she had never heard of PCOS being doctors confirmed it was causing her metabolism issues.
- “It’s been a great agony for me,” said Emma Thompson on the “painful” condition.
- Jools Oliver has shared her experiences of pregnancy loss and living with PCOS.
5. Low libido
Sex drive taken a plummet?
“A low libido is actually quite common in those with PCOS but something that not many talk about,” says Jodie.
She adds that this could be connected to low-self esteem caused by the symptoms associated with PCOS.
Plus, hormonal changes generally can also cause your libido to waver.
6. Excess hair growth
Although many of us are keen for our head hair to grow, PCOS sufferers may find themselves dealing with hair growing around the jaw, top lip, chest, back, butt and stomach – typically places where we don’t want hair.
This is usually caused by the increase in androgens.
7. Mood changes
It’s not just mood swings which may indicate that you’re suffering from PCOS.
Research has found that women with PCOS are three times more likely to have symptoms of depression compared to women who don’t have PCOS, with women who struggle from infertility experiencing a higher level of depression.
8. Sleep issues
Disrupted sleep can leave us groggy, grouchy and tired.
Jodie explains: “PCOS is associated with difficulty falling and/or staying asleep as well as sleep apnoea – a condition where your breathing stops and starts throughout the night causing disrupted sleep.”
Research suggests that this could be due to obesity, caused by PCOS, as well as insulin resistance, plus, anxiety and depression, another potential PCOS symptom could also lead to a disturbed sleep.
When to seek help
Despite the fact there’s no cure to PCOS, Jodie explains: “Whether the symptoms you experience are common or not, it’s important to note that you do not have to suffer with them.
“It is possible to manage your PCOS and reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
“It’s also important to make a note of all the symptoms you experience and discuss them with your GP/healthcare professional.
“Just because they aren’t common, it does not mean that they are irrelevant.”
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, it’s really important to reach out to your GP as PCOS can heighten the risk of other issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, enjoying regular exercise, and practising stress management can help to significantly reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of PCOS,” Jodie adds.
“However, do remember that these symptoms might flare up from time to time due to factors like stress, dietary changes, or hormonal shifts, such as those that occur during menopause.”
