What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms

Polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is usually diagnosed by the presence of a variety of different symptoms.  These symptoms can start to develop during puberty or later on during the reproductive stages in a woman's life.  The pituitary gland and ovaries in women suffering from PCOS overproduce certain hormones causing women to develop hormonal imbalances an irregular menstrual periods taht affect thi reproductive cycle.  Although PCOS symptoms are different from person to person, the most common symptoms of PCOS include:

Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic ovaries is a condition where multiple cysts (follicles) develop around the edge of the ovaries. Normally during a woman’s reproductive cycle, the pituitary gland produces a small amount of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) which trigger the ovaries to produce a follicle or cyst. The egg is contained within this cyst which then increases the level of estrogen in a woman’s body.

In some women, multiple cysts develop but are do not ever grow to the necessary size to stimulate ovulation. As a result, these small cysts accumulate on the ovaries. Despite the name of the condition, just the presence of polycystic ovaries does not mean that the woman suffers from PCOS.

Abnormal menstrual periods
Menstrual intervals which last longe than thirty five days Less than eight menstrual cycles a year failure to menstruate for four months or longer light or heavy periods that last a long time

Infertility
Since many women suffering from PCOS have irregular menstrual periods, often times patients will find it difficult to get pregnant.  However, this is not always the case.

Abnormal insulin levels
Women with PCOS typically have elevated levels of insulin in the blood.

For many people, elevated levels of insulin can signal an insulin resistance which causes them to be overweight and obese. Obesity worsens the situation as excess fat causes the pancreas to produce even more insulin.

Excess hair growth (hirsutism)/Acne
The increased presence of male homones (androgens) can cause women to develop male pattern hair growth on the:

• Chin
• Cheek
• Neck
• Sideburn area
• Chest
• Upper body

These higher levels of androgen can also be responsible for male pattern baldness (androgenic alopcia), adult or adolecscent acne in PCOS patients

Obesity
Roughly 50% o women suffering from PCOS gain excess weight and can be classifed as obese

Cardiovascular Diseases
Patients suffering from PCOS who are overweight and insulin resistant are at higher risks of developing coronary artery disease.  Coronary artery disease is a condition where the arteries carrying the blood to the heart are narrowed.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where patients temporarily stop breathing in their sleep.  There is evidence suggesting that patients with sleep apnea are at higher risks of developing heart conditions and stroke.