So, you have an irregular period, hair growing in places you think it shouldn’t and you’re having a hard time conceiving a baby. You may be asking yourself right now, “Do I have PCOS?” You may have even found yourself Googling “Do I have PCOS?” in hopes of finding answers to your baffling symptoms.

PCOS, otherwise known as polycystic ovary syndrome, is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries are affected by cystic growths. This causes the ovaries to overproduce androgen, a hormone usually associated with male development. The result can bring about a range of symptoms, including:

Excessive Body Hair Growth

Women who have PCOS often notice excessive body hair growth. New hair may sprout up on the face, but any part of the body can be affected by this symptom. Interestingly, while body hair growth often ramps up in women who experience PCOS, thinning hair on the head is also a symptom of the condition.

Irregular or Abnormal Period

A woman’s menstrual cycle may also change as a result of PCOS. Some women experience heavier bleeding due to PCOS, but others will experience missed periods. Infertility is also common in women who have this condition.

Oily Skin

Oily skin and blemishes are also symptoms of PCOS that can be difficult to contain. Hormones are once again to blame for this symptom. Left untreated, oily skin may lead to the development of acne. Diet can make this problem worse as can a lack of hydration and exercise.

Weight Gain

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are hallmarks of PCOS as well. Women with PCOS sometimes have to work harder to lose weight and keep it off, and diet once again plays a major role in managing weight when faced with PCOS. Foods that contain sodium and other ingredients that can cause inflammation may lead to greater weight gain.

Disclaimer: The above is provided for informational purposes only. If you suspect you have PCOS, you should speak with your physician.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown is a certified PCOS specialist. She advises people on personalized women’s healthcare and skin treatment at home. You can find her thoughts at PCOS testing blog.