The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There's evidence that genetics play a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS: Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles.
Although it is rare that women develop PCOS later in life, it is possible that women may not know they have polycystic ovary syndrome for years because the disorder mimics symptoms of other hormonal disorders.
Child maltreatment is independently associated with PCOS in women without psychiatric disorders. In the context of all maltreatment subtypes, emotional abuse remained associated with PCOS, suggesting its unique effect on this endocrinopathy.
PCOS can be triggered by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutritional food.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.
Typical signs in females are breast development, body odor, body hair, acne, mood swings, and menstruation. If you have experienced growth of facial hair or excess body hair, significant weight gain, worsening acne, and infrequent or prolonged periods, you might have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Physical Exam
Your doctor may check your blood pressure, BMI (body mass index), and waist size. They may also look at your skin to check for extra hair growth, acne, and discolored skin, which can all happen if you have PCOS.
In inflammatory PCOS, chronic inflammation causes the ovaries to make excess testosterone, resulting in physical symptoms and issues with ovulation. Signs of inflammation in this type of PCOS include headaches, joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin issues like eczema and bowel issues like IBS.
Irregular periods.
Having few menstrual periods or having periods that aren't regular are common signs of PCOS . So is having periods that last for many days or longer than is typical for a period. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year. And those periods may occur more than 35 days apart.
Between 5% and 10% of women between 15 and 44, or during the years you can have children, have PCOS. Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But PCOS can happen at any age after puberty.
But, that doesn't mean that you have to quit your hopes of having a flat stomach, you can still lose your belly fat when you have PCOS. All you need to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle routine & proper dietary pattern.
Although a majority of cases with PCOS are obese/overweight, a small but significant proportion of patients present with normal body mass index (BMI; ≤25 kg/M2) that makes diagnostic work up and therapeutic approach more difficult. These cases are termed as lean PCOS.
So, instead of having a pear shape, women with PCOS have more of an apple shape. Abdominal fat is the most dangerous kind of fat. That's because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions.
Unusual PCOS Signs
Unwanted hair growth, known as hirsutism, on areas where men normally grow hair such as the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen. Hirsutism is the result of hormonal changes in androgens. Mood changes such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
Experts estimate that 5 to 10 percent of women ages 18 to 44 have PCOS. The syndrome is usually detected in women between ages 20 and 30, but the earliest signs can be evident in younger girls including those who have not yet started menstruation.
With irregular periods, anovulation, oligomenorrhea, and the risk of ovarian cancer endometrial cancer, and breast cancer, PCOS causes major gynecological complications. Irregular periods, lack of ovulation, and infertility in PCOS is caused due to abnormal levels of androgens, and luteinizing hormones.
To receive a diagnosis of PCOS, you must meet two of the following criteria: irregular ovulation, which is usually indicated by an irregular menstrual cycle or a lack of a cycle. signs of increased androgen levels or a blood test confirming you have increased levels. multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
blood tests to check your hormones (such as testosterone), cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood. an ultrasound scan to look at your ovaries and check for the presence of multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of women with PCOS. Normal tiredness can be relieved by sleep and rest. But excessive tiredness, also known as fatigue, can be overwhelming and seriously affect a person's quality of life. Fatigue is also a common symptom of many other disorders.
The main sign of PCOS facial hair is dark and thick hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas.