9 Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome To Watch For

Irregular periods can lead to infertility; this is an unfortunate factor to consider if you or someone you know was born with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Other Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms to watch for include:

• Missed, irregular, or prolonged periods
• Painful periods
• Acne, or oily skin
• Thinning scalp hair
• Excess hair growth on the face, chin, chest, body
• Weight gain
• Skin tags on neck or armpits
• Darkening skin in the neck, groin, armpit, or under breasts
• Constant or intermittent pelvic or abdominal pain

Weight Gain

It is important that you exercise at an intensity that is high enough to affect bodily change. Oftentimes people under-challenge themselves, and therefore do not burn enough calories at the time of the activity, nor allow their metabolic rate to stay elevated long enough after working out to continue burning calories.

Conversely, some patients work out so hard, that they can not remain consistent enough to stick with their program. With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you may need to start, or even stay on, medications to help you lose or maintain your weight. However, it is of the utmost importance that this is coupled with a healthy diet and adequate daily exercise.

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Many patients who deal with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) have wonderful activity levels until their period begins to approach. Then, their activity dwindles and they feel defeated and self-conscious as their bloating begins. They disappear from their normal life during this time every month, cutting off from friends and even work if possible.

To put it short, YES, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can affect your pelvic floor, but this results as a secondary effect to the symptoms that PCOS causes.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), such as weight gain, painful periods, and irregular hormones, often affect the quality of life, work, intimacy, exercise, friendships, and more for people diagnosed. Each of these symptoms, in addition to the stress of living with chronic health struggles, can also lead to pelvic floor tension.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) treatment should be done under the care of your Primary Care Provider and OB/GYN first, then any pelvic floor-related effects can be managed by making a treatment plan with your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is something one is born with that can be triggered and/or worsened by certain lifestyle choices, environmental factors, genetics, and more. There is not a cure for PCOS, but there is hope for healing and/or diminishing the size of cysts to undetectable size.

PCOS is linked to diabetes, gestational diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high and low cholesterol, sleep apnea, stroke, as well as depression and anxiety. Those living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can often have insulin resistance as well, meaning their bodies make but do not properly use insulin.

The good news is that early diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management can reduce the risk of long-term complications.

PCOS affects so many parts of an individual, those that we can readily see, as well as things we cannot. If you are someone who notices the symptoms of PCOS in your life, let this be your gentle reminder that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out to get the help you need and deserve!