Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month 2018: Symptoms of the Endocrine Disorder That Usually Go Unnoticed

PCOS is one of the most common endocrines disorder existing in women today. About 10 per cent of the total women population suffers from this hormonal disorder, As described by a study, 'Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common multifaceted disorder found among females of the reproductive age presenting major clinical conditions of hirsutism, oligomenorrhea and infertility. Socioeconomic studies from India have observed PCOS as a lifestyle disorder highly prevalent among middle and high-income urban population as compared to the rural population.'

While the condition is genetic and depends a lot on our hormones, it is also our lifestyle that has got a lot to do with our lifestyle. With unexplained weight gain being one of the major side-effects of this condition it is important to know the PCOS Weight Gain Causes and Some Expert Tips on How to Lose Those Extra Kilos.

However, a late diagnosis in terms of PCOS makes the condition difficult to manage and causes further health issues. The symptoms of PCOS are usually ignored and a huge percentage of women suffering from PCOS get to know about their condition only much later. Here are a few symptoms of PCOS that are usually ignored.

1. Unwanted Hair growth- Technically called 'hirsutism', this more than the required amount of hair growth is one of the main symptoms of PCOS. However, not many people understand that it can indicate PCOS. You'll see excessive hair growth at strange places like your belly, nipples, toes and face, especially around the chin. Also, the texture of the hair will be coarse.
2. Hair loss- Hair loss, although can be linked with a lot of other health issues, it may also indicate PCOS. Many times women simply blame the hair loss on the weather or shampoos when it may actually indicate PCOS. You may experience drastic hair thinning and loss.
3. Weight- If you are leading a healthy lifestyle and eathy nutritious food and are still unable to lose weight you could be suffering from PCOS. If you are seeing a sudden weight gain, especially around your waist, you might want to visit a doctor.
4. Acne or oily skin- The hormone imbalance related to PCOS may cause your skin to breakout and also cause oily skin. Since breakouts can indicate a host of other issues as well, it becomes difficult to think of PCOS is the first instance.
5. Sleep disorders/apnea and fatigue- If you find it difficult to fall asleep or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea you may have PCOS as they are linked but not necessarily though.
6. Pregnancy- PCOS may affect fertility and make it difficult for you to conceive but that doesn't mean it makes you infertile. Proper treatment can help you become pregnant.
7. Periods- While this is the most common symptom of PCOS but most women don't recognise it. Some don't even keep a track of their menstrual cycle. If you have missed your periods or usually have irregular periods, you may be suffering from PCOS.

'Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the predisposing genetic variant(s) from a parent. The genetic variant(s) can be inherited from either the father or the mother and can be passed along to both sons (who may be asymptomatic carriers or may have symptoms such as early baldness and/or excessive hair) and daughters who will show signs of PCOS.' according to a study done on the PCOS, its Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment. The study also says that the clinical severity of PCOS symptoms appears to be largely determined by factors such as obesity and other lifestyle factors.

(References: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, A Review of Treatment Options With a Focus on Pharmacological Approaches/ Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Insights into Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatment/ Effect of predisposing factors for PCOS in Indian urban and rural population) 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2018 04:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).