5 Overlooked Symptoms of PCOS & What To Do About Them

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common condition in women that affects an estimated one in ten in the UK. But all too often PCOS can go undiagnosed, leaving sufferers in pain and anxious about their health. Belle About Town spoke to Mike Kocsis, a hormone expert at Balance My Hormones, to learn more about the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Mike revealed five of the most overlooked symptoms of PCOS, and offered advice on how to ease symptoms at home as well as when to consult a medical professional.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovaries, the reproductive organs and oestrogen and progesterone levels (the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle). It occurs when your body produces unusually high levels of the male-sex hormone androgens, which causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced.

What causes PCOS?

According to the NHS, the root cause of PCOS is still unknown but it does often run in families. Other than genetics, PCOS can be caused by abnormal hormone levels, high levels of insulin in the body and it is thought that being overweight is a factor too.

5 overlooked symptoms of PCOS

Excessive body hair

It’s fairly common knowledge that excessive, dark facial and neck hair in women is a sign of PCOS. Known as hirsutism, this is caused by an excess production of androgen in the body.

However, it’s not just facial hair that you should look out for. Excessive, thick and dark hair around the nipples, chest, back, buttocks and thighs can also be a sign of PCOS as your body is producing too many androgens. However, it’s worth mentioning that if the hair is thin and light, then this is perhaps less of a concern than if the hair is thicker and darker.

There are a few ways to control your excess hair growth at home. Firstly, if you are overweight then it is recommended that regular exercise and controlled weight loss can help control your hormone levels.

Traditional hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing can feel monotonous, especially as hair can grow faster with PCOS. If this sounds like you, then visit a doctor who can test your blood levels and prescribe you various solutions, such as prescription creams or even contraception.

Remember that body hair is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you decide to keep it or not is entirely your decision and should be based on what makes you feel comfortable.

Thinning hair from the head

In the same way that high levels of androgen production can result in excessive hair growth, it can also actually lead to the hair on your head thinning, becoming drier and damaged and even falling out entirely. Not only that but you may find your scalp to feel drier and itchier, with dandruff and build-up being another common symptom with PCOS sufferers.

There are a few ways to treat this symptom at home. Traditional over-the-counter remedies such as specialised shampoos, alongside multivitamins rich in iron, magnesium and zinc can make a significant difference. If after around six months or so you don’t notice a difference, then you should visit a doctor who can prescribe antiandrogens, a medical shampoo or contraceptives to help balance your hormones.

Sugar cravings

Insulin is a key hormone which is responsible for manging your blood sugar levels and turns food into energy. According to the NHS, many women with PCOS are resistant to insulin and produce higher levels to overcome this which causes people to feel hungry, fatigues and crave sugary foods.

Other than keeping a balanced diet and avoiding too much sugar in your diet, if you find yourself craving foods or binge-eating more then you should visit a doctor who will be able to support you. Otherwise, the more sugar you eat to satisfy your cravings, the more likely you are to eventually develop type 2 diabetes, which is a common illness with PCOS sufferers.

Sleep apnoea

Do you find yourself feeling tired throughout the day, despite sleeping through the night? Or has your partner commented on your snoring? Surprisingly this could be caused by PCOS.

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, resulting in loud snoring, gasping or choking during the night and waking up with a sore throat and dry mouth.

A study conducted by the University of Chicago back in 2011 found the risk of sleep apnoea is “at least five to ten-fold higher in women with PCOS” due to the insulin imbalance caused by the syndrome. Research also found that women with PCOS are more likely to experience sleep quality or chronic daytime sleepiness.

Dry and dark patches of skin

If you’ve noticed dark and dry isolated patches of skin across your body, this could be a sign of PCOS. The patches, medically referred to as Acanthosis Nigricans, usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin and are linked to both imbalanced hormone and insulin levels.

There is not a “one size fits all” treatment for the patches, and although over-the-counter lotions can easy any discomfort, the best way to treat this is to visit your doctor. A doctor can find and treat the root cause by taking a blood test to determine your hormone levels, which could indicate PCOS. Alternatively, a doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can suggest treatments to improve appearance.