PCOS Coach

PCOS is a syndrome and the symptoms vary widely. In addition to these symptoms, women with PCOS are more likely to have auto-immune or inflammation related disease such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Few women have all of these symptoms, but if you see that you have several symptoms it is important to talk to your doctor. Some of these symptoms may actually be the same as the symptoms of other endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease or thyroid issues.

·        Irregular periods or no periods

·        Painful or unusually heavy or light periods

·        Irregular or absent ovulation

·        Hirsutism (hair on face, stomach, thighs, arms, breasts, etc.)

·        Alopecia (thinning hair or male pattern baldness)

·        High blood pressure

·        Infertility

·        Obesity (especially around the stomach)

·        Difficulty losing weight

·        Insulin resistance or hypoglycemia

·        Fatigue

·        Depression or SAD (seasonal affective disorder)

·        Mood swings, some women report feelings of anger or aggression

·        Acne

·        Ovarian cysts

·        Skin tags

·        Acanthosis nigricans (dark skin patches, often found on the nape of the neck, groin, under breasts)

·        High cholesterol levels

·        Decreased sex drive

·        Excess "male" hormones, such as androgens, DHEAS, or testosterone

·        Decreased breast size

·        Enlarged clitoris (rare)

·        Enlarged ovaries

·        Enlarged uterus

Symptoms vary widely and it seems no two women have the exact same list of symptoms. If you think you may have PCOS, please see a doctor for a diagnosis. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion, PCOS is notoriously under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. If your doctor does not listen to your concerns, please find another doctor. So often I hear from women who have gone undiagnosed or untreated for years because their doctors would not listen to their concerns.