Beyond Irregular Periods: 5 Side Effects of PCOS

One of the most obvious side effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is abnormal menstrual cycles, but it certainly doesn't end there. PCOS is a hormone imbalance that casts a wide net.

While polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) does, in fact, involve your ovaries and cysts, the underlying problem of a hormone imbalance can cast a much wider net.

For the 5-6 million women who have PCOS in the United States, irregular and abnormal periods are certainly one of the more common side effects, but hardly the only one.

To paint a clearer picture, board-certified OB/GYN Sridevi Panchamukhi, MD, MBA, and the team of women’s health experts here at Eveskare want to review five symptoms of PCOS that don’t involve irregular periods. Let’s take a look.

PCOS 101

Before we dive into the five symptoms, it’s helpful to get a little background on PCOS, which can go a long way toward explaining the symptom we’re about to dive into.

As we mentioned, PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that leads to irregular ovulation. More specifically, PCOS is tied to increased levels of androgens, which are the hormones responsible for male characteristics. PCOS is also tied to another hormone issue, insulin resistance, as well.

Signs of PCOS that extend beyond your menstrual cycle

Given that systemic hormones are involved, the side effects of PCOS can be quite varied and no two women experience the exact same side effects.

That said, there are some side effects that are more common, including these five:

1. Changes in hair growth

When there are more androgens in your system, you can develop hair where you don’t want it and lose it where you do. Explaining this further, women with PCOS often develop body and facial hair, while the hair on their scalp can thin.

Called hirsutism, this symptom affects about 70% of women with PCOS.

2. Infertility

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility because the condition causes abnormal ovulation. Eggs aren’t fully developed or they’re not releasing properly.

3. Weight gain

Women with PCOS often gain weight and, making matters more frustrating, the weight is tough to get rid of.

4. Acne

Another common side effect of PCOS is acne, which can develop on your face, as well as other parts of your body, such as on your back. In addition to the acne, your skin can become more oily.

5. Skin tags and dark patches

If you’re developing dark patches on your skin, especially in creases, as well as skin tags under your arms and around your neck, this could be a sign of PCOS.

More seriously than some of the cosmetic changes we’ve outlined, having PCOS can place you more at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so it’s important not to ignore the above signs.

The good news is that there are medications and lifestyle changes that we can prescribe to treat your PCOS and alleviate many of these unwelcome side effects.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, we invite you to contact our office in Frisco, Texas, today at 469-966-2423. You can also request an appointment using our online scheduling tool.