6 Things That are Completely Normal if You Have PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that occurs in about 10% of women in the reproductive age.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but it leads to an increase in luteinizing hormone and elevated male hormones in the female’s body. As a result, it leads to an increase in ovarian growth and the formation of cysts.

Due to unconfirmed causes and ongoing research on this disorder, doctors do not have complete knowledge about this condition yet.

As a result of unavailable information, it has paved the way for people to form myths and restrictions on women suffering from PCOS. They are forced to live their lives less efficiently with numerous restrictive barriers.

This is why it is important to understand PCOS and the normal changes that your body will undergo when you suffer from this condition.

Here’s a list of 6 things that are completely normal if you have PCOS:

Credit: pexel Caption : excessive acne

⦁ Excessive Acne

The development of excessive facial acne is common in 45% of women who suffer from PCOS.

The female body has both male and female hormones with the latter being in higher levels in the body.

Normally, the pituitary gland is responsible for the check of oestrogen, progesterone and androgen in the body.

However, in case of PCOS, the normal maintenance of these levels get interrupted and as a result, the levels of male androgen abnormally increases.

These levels cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce excess oily sebum which is followed by inflammation.

This causes the formation of excessive acne around the jawline, cheeks and chin.

⦁ Irregular Periods

For a woman with PCOS, irregular menstrual bleeding is normal.

This is because the mechanism menstrual cycle solely depends on the specific levels of hormones in the body in every step.

This includes the maturation of the ovules, oogenesis, ovulation and finally shedding of the uterine walls in the form of menstrual discharge which is commonly known as periods.

However, due to imbalance of hormonal levels the cycle gets affected.

⦁ Fertility and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is possible  Credits: pexel

A lot of people assume that the ovaries do not ovulate in women with PCOS. This is a wrong assumption.

Although it is true that due to excessive amounts of androgens, ovulation gets suppressed but with the help of a fertility specialist, it is possible for ovulation to occur and the woman may get pregnant.

The release of an egg can be assisted with fertility injections. These injections contain hormones that the brain would usually release to promote the production of eggs.

In some cases, women can conceive through IVF, wherein the eggs are extracted from the ovary and artificially fertilized in the lab and then injected back into the female’s uterus for implantation.

Moreover, if pregnancy is still not possible due to multiple cysts formation in the uterus, surrogacy is another option.

Bottom line: It is highly possible to start a family and have children even if you are suffering from PCOS.

⦁ Mood swings and depression

caption: mental health problems  Credit: pexel

Due to the combination of diagnosis and symptoms, PCOS is linked to mental health problems like mood swings and depression.

Depression and anxiety can be caused due to multiple factors. A lot of times, changes in the hormonal levels are responsible.

Moreover, unwelcome changes like formation of excessive acne, excessive hair growth and fertility problems creates a sense of lack control over their own health and can cause frustration.

PCOS patients also have lower levels of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin that is associated with positive feelings.

In conclusion, these feelings and mood swings are normal and with proper care, highly manageable.

⦁ Excess Androgen Causes Unusual Hair Growth and Weight Gain

Credit: pexel Caption: weight gain

Another side effect due to the excessive levels of the male androgen hormone in the body is unwanted hair growth known as hirsutism.

In this condition, hair begins to grow on the face and other body parts like the chest, abdomen, neck, back, upper arms and legs.

Hair follicles are hormone sensitively. Usually the hairs found in these areas are short, fine, soft and colourless. This is known as vellus hair but due to the increased levels of androgen, the growth becomes thick, coarse and dark and is known as terminal hair. Once vellus hair converts into terminal hair, the process is usually irreversible.

In addition, high levels of male hormones can cause excessive weight gain and fat deposits in the belly, and stimulates a constant sensation of hunger.