Early Symptoms of PCOS You Should Not Ignore

1 in 10 women have PCOS. If your periods have been irregular, or you have unusually thick, dark hair growing on your face, you, too, may be experiencing early symptoms of PCOS. Due to a lack of awareness about the condition, many women ignore these symptoms or dismiss them. However, untreated PCOS can affect your quality of life and long-term reproductive health.

In this blog, we highlight what PCOS is, the early signs of PCOS, and why early diagnosis and treatment is essential for managing your symptoms.

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal condition that mainly affects women of reproductive age. In this condition, the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones (androgens) than normal. Elevated levels of androgens in the body can cause menstrual irregularities and difficulty getting pregnant.

PCOS is mainly characterized by high androgen levels, which can affect the body’s insulin production and reduce sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance). The signs of PCOS can develop gradually and begin appearing in your early 20s. Some of the early symptoms of PCOS include:

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

The first sign of PCOS that many women experience is irregular periods. Since PCOS interferes with the regular menstrual cycle and ovulation, women with PCOS usually experience fewer periods a year or miss their period for months. They may also experience short menstrual periods (2-3 days) or unusually heavy flow.

If you miss three or more periods in a row or experience irregular bleeding patterns, menstrual cycles that are much longer or shorter than average, book an appointment with your gynaecologist.

2. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)

PCOS can cause excess hair to grow on the face, chest, back, and stomach. The hair might be thick and coarse in appearance. This is called “hirsutism” and is caused by ‌elevated levels of androgens in the body.

Hirsutism can make women with PCOS feel self-conscious about their appearance and lower their confidence.

3. Difficulty Losing Weight or Sudden Weight Gain

Suddenly gaining weight for no apparent reason is one of the early symptoms of PCOS you should not ignore. You may not be able to lose weight even after changing your diet and exercising frequently.

This can happen because your body is resistant to insulin and traps glucose in your cells, which makes it easier to gain weight and more difficult to lose it. Women with PCOS can also have an increased appetite because of insulin resistance.

4. Acne and Oily Skin

Persistent, difficult-to-treat acne and oily skin can be a direct result of PCOS. Painful cystic acne on the jawline and chin can be an early symptom. Your acne may also be difficult to treat with regular skincare products, since it may be caused by hormonal imbalances.

5. Thinning Hair or Hair Loss on Scalp

If you’ve observed more hair fall recently, it could be an early sign of PCOS. High androgen levels can cause gradual hair thinning and eventually, male pattern baldness. Your hairline may start receding, or the hair on top of your head may slowly be getting thinner. Timely treatment of PCOS can reduce androgen levels and stop hair fall from progressing.

6. Dark Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)

Insulin resistance in PCOS can cause dark, velvety-looking patches of skin to appear on the neck, armpits, groin, or underside of breasts. These patches are an indicator of your body not responding to insulin properly and can be one of the early symptoms of PCOS.

7. Constant Fatigue

If you feel tired or exhausted even after getting enough rest, hormonal imbalances could be the underlying cause. Women with insulin resistance can have low energy levels, brain fog, and restlessness or irritability.

8. Infertility and Difficulty Conceiving

Many women find out that they have PCOS when they start trying to conceive. PCOS directly affects female fertility by causing irregular ovulation or stopping ovulation completely. Irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalances can make it harder for women with PCOS to conceive.

Why Is Early Diagnosis of PCOS Important?

The early symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person. These symptoms can vary in severity as well. Some women may experience a few symptoms, or none, while others may experience multiple.

Because these signs aren’t consistent, they can often be mistaken for stress, lifestyle issues, or other hormonal conditions. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious conditions like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer. With timely treatment and lifestyle changes, most women with PCOS can prevent these complications.

If you suspect that you’re experiencing signs of PCOS, get in touch with a gynaecologist or reproductive endocrinologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help most women with PCOS effectively manage symptoms like infertility and prevent long-term complications.

PCOS Treatment at Bloom IVF

PCOS requires a comprehensive, patient-centric approach. Treatment focuses on providing relief from symptoms, and can be tailored to the patients’ preferences and fertility goals. Many women with PCOS can become pregnant successfully with the right medical guidance and personalized care.

Bloom IVF offers personalized treatment, continuous care and guidance, and emotional support throughout the process. We know how difficult it can be to face roadblocks on the path to parenthood. After all, we have over 3 decades of experience in providing high-quality fertility treatment! From ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization, we help you select the best treatment options for a successful pregnancy.

Are you struggling with PCOS-related infertility? Contact us at +91 9820057722 / +91 9871717305 or book a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: