Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects how the ovaries work and can cause various symptoms that might impact a person’s dreams, confidence, and quality of life. While the cause of PCOS is unknown, it is thought that a woman’s genes might be responsible for the condition.
If you have recently been diagnosed with the syndrome, you might want to learn as much as possible to identify how it will impact your future. Continue reading to learn how PCOS can affect the body.
An Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Women living with PCOS often have an irregular menstrual cycle, as their period might be more than 35 days apart. However, in some cases, a woman may not have any periods at all. The issues are caused by a hormonal imbalance that can affect a cycle and result in a female typically experiencing six to eight menstrual periods per year.
Fertility Issues
If your ovaries cannot release an egg, you will be unable to conceive a child, which is why PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility. However, there is no guarantee the condition can stop you from becoming pregnant and safely welcoming a child into the world.
Women living with PCOS can improve their chances of conception by making healthy lifestyle changes, monitoring their fertile window, taking ovulation-inducing medications, and embarking on fertility treatments like IVF.
Hair Loss of Excessive Hair Growth
Many women diagnosed with PCOS may develop hair in unusual areas, such as on the sides of the face, abdomen, chin, upper lip, lower back, inner thighs, and upper arms. It is often referred to as male-pattern hair growth.
However, some women may experience hair thinning along the scalp and at the top of their heads, which can impact their self-confidence and identity. The problems are due to hair follicle stimulation caused by high androgen levels. Yet, you can restore thinning hair with a professional hair loss treatment at the Harley Street Hair Clinic, such as FUE hair transplant.
Weight Gain Risks
Many females diagnosed with PCOS will gain weight. While it isn’t clear what causes women to gain weight, it is believed to be a combination of genes and environmental factors. However, obesity can amplify polycystic ovarian syndrome’s symptoms, which is why it is essential to maintain a healthy weight following a diagnosis. As PCOS can cause obesity, women will have a greater risk of developing the below health problems:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
As PCOS can increase a woman’s risk of various health conditions, they must receive a diagnosis as soon as possible to take steps to improve their lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.
A PCOS diagnosis can feel overwhelming. However, remember you didn’t cause the condition, and there is nothing you could have done to stop it. While the above information might sound daunting, there are solutions for most symptoms, from lifestyle changes and hair transplant procedures to medication and IVF treatments.
