- Irregularity in periods or no periods
- Difficulty in becoming pregnant
- Excessive growth of facial or body hair
- A woman becoming an excessively overweight or rapid increase in her body weight
- The appearance of thick and dark brown patches on the skin
- The appearance of skin tags (excessive flaps of skin around the neck or in the armpits)
- Hair loss
- Oily skin/acne
- Pelvic pain
- Interrupted breathing while sleeping, known as Sleep Apnoea
- Depression and mood swings
What are the causes?
Scientists are still trying to ferret out the exact cause of PCOS. It is not fully known, as yet. However, it may have a genetic basis because it often found in many families. If any of the female family members, e.g. mother, aunts, sisters of a woman are affected by this syndrome, she (woman) likely to develop the risk of PCOS.
How PCOS affect my fertility?
Some of the women with PCOS may get pregnant on their own. In some cases PCOS may affect woman’s fertility due to irregular periods or no periods, so to speak. As a matter of fact, during the normal menstrual cycle, 1 follicle in the ovaries get matured and is released. This natural process is called ovulation. However, PCOS thwarts this process and does not allow follicles from getting matured regularly in a menstrual cycle.
Alarmingly high weight gain: One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is excessive weight gain. It causes hindrance to natural ovulation process women. Excessive weight is even resistant to simple ovulation-inducing drugs.
How shall I know if I am suffering from PCOS?Those with PCOS meet two out of the three following criteria: Oligomenorrhea (having your menses every 40 to 60 days), androgen excess (by a blood test or physical appearances, such as acne or oily skin), and more than 12 follicles appearing on your ovaries by ultrasound.
How can Xenith help me if I have PCOS?Xenith has expertise in helping women with PCOS reduce symptoms and conceive. To discuss your symptoms and medical history, contact Xenith today.