Baby Dreamers

PCOS Symptoms

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"... diagnosis is especially important because PCOS is now thought to increase metabolic and cardiovascular risks. These risks are strongly linked to Insulin Resistance..."
- The Importance of Diagnosing the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Rogerio A. Lobo, MD and Enrico Carmina, MD

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can be caused by Insulin Resistance and may take the form of numerous symptoms, which vary from woman to woman.

Weight Gain. Many women with PCOS gain weight around their abdomen, taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with imbalances of glucose and insulin in the body.

Irregular Periods. Nine or few menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused because the ovaries are not producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular.

Infertility. The high levels of excess insulin seen with PCOS can stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which can possibly prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thus causing infertility. Because women with PCOS don’t have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to become pregnant. With help, however, many PCOS sufferers conceive.

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I am only 27 and was really feeling the effects of my IR and PCOS, with terrible lethargy and fearing that I would never get my active life back. I was taking glucophage which did nothing for me but cause stomach and bowel problems. After 2 1/2 weeks on Insulite PCOS, I feel an amazing difference in energy and even a little in my weight.

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- MS
Stuarts Draft, VA

Hirsutism. This symptom causes excess hair, which can be difficult for many women. For most PCOS sufferers, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and leg is also possible, as well as hair on abdomen, chest or back, together with more growing in the pubic area. High levels of male hormones (androgens) cause this condition.

Thinning Hair. Just as heavier hair growth is possible, so is the type of hair thinning that many men experience. This is caused in women by higher levels of androgens.

Acne. Pimples and oily skin can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest and back.

Other Skin Problems. Skin tags – thick lumps of skin sometimes as large as raisins – can form as a result of PCOS. They are usually found in the armpits, at the bra line or neck and can easily be removed by a dermatologist. Darkening and thickening of the skin can also occur around the neck, groin, underarms or skin folds. This condition, called Acanthosis Nigricans, is a sign of Insulin Resistance, the underlying cause of PCOS.

Depression and Anxiety. Many women with PCOS may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance or their inability to become pregnant. Depression can also be caused by hormone problems. Managing your PCOS symptoms may help to relieve depression.