PCOS, also known as PCOD, is a lifestyle condition that can give rise to a variety of symptoms among women. With 4 Different Types Of PCOS (found out which type you have, here), your struggles may vary greatly from someone else with the same condition. However, there are some symptoms that are more common than others. Here’s what you need to look out for:
1. Facial Hair
When diagnosed with PCOS, the body hair is excessive, noticeable and there is growth on the face. Over years, PCOS may slowly result in excess hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries. Dealing with excess facial and body hair is a battle for many women with PCOS. If you prefer to tame your unwanted hair, there are several options available.
Acne, facial hair, dry skin patches, pigmentation—women with PCOS face a unique set of challenges when it comes to their skin and hair. Here are some expert-led treatment recommendations, and DIY remedies.
2. Weight Gain & Insatiable Cravings
Women with PCOS experience more hunger because their body may not be regulating insulin effectively. They get strong, intense and urgent cravings even though they might not actually be hungry, or may have even just eaten. These cravings can be managed by good eating habits. Eating sufficient amounts of protein often with meals and avoiding sugar, gluten, dairy, and bad carbs are ideal for a PCOS diet.
When you have PCOS, shedding just a few kilos of your body weight can help manage the symptoms. Here are 10 effective ways to lose weight with PCOS.
3. Mental Health Issues
Depression and anxiety are the most common reactions faced by women diagnosed with PCOS. It can impact the mental wellbeing of women as it is seen that the longer it takes to diagnose PCOS, the more are the chances of depression or anxiety. Depression can negatively impact women and their lifestyles. It can bring out negative changes in their day-to-day activities and it becomes difficult to lead a normal life. Anxiety, on the other hand, can lead to nervousness, fear, panic, and restlessness that can make life very stressful.
PCOS & Mood Swings: Find here expert’s advice on coping with the rollercoaster of emotions.
4. Having To Take Birth Control Medications
Birth control medications, such as an oral contraceptive pill or a hormonal treatment, can help in the management of irregular periods caused by PCOS. This, in a way, can help to overcome PCOS and the symptoms related to it. But, they do have some side-effects like weight gain, nausea, and, many women shudder at the thought of taking birth control pills. You need to work with your gynac for alternative solutions.
5. Irregular Periods
Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens and too much insulin in their bodies that disrupt their monthly menstrual cycle. If one has PCOS, they can experience irregularity in their periods or they might get periods very infrequently. The average menstrual cycle is once in 28 days. Women with PCOS may experience a cycle that is out of the norm.
PCOS 101: Find here the ultimate guide to navigating PCOS with ways to manage it effectively.
