7 Signs of PCOS You Shouldn't Ignore

September is PCOS Awareness Month in the United States, which gives us the perfect opportunity to review this common gynecologic issue. And a review is very much in order if you consider that polycystic ovary syndrome affects up to 10% of reproductive-age women — yet up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.

To improve this last statistic, the experienced team of women’s health care providers at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology wants to review some key signs of PCOS. When the word “syndrome” is part of the name, it means that there’s a range of potential symptoms, the most common of which we explore here.

PCOS: A hormonal issue

At the heart of PCOS is an excess of androgen hormones, which are associated with male characteristics. PCOS is also tied to insulin resistance, so the condition really stems from metabolic imbalances that can cast a wide net over your health.

Common symptoms of PCOS

Early diagnosis and intervention are important to help you manage this hormonal imbalance and prevent long-term complications. Some of the more common signs of PCOS include:

1. Irregular menstruation

With the excess androgen hormones, your menstrual cycles and periods can become abnormal. Women can experience an absence of periods, irregular periods, and even periods with heavy bleeding.

2. Ovarian cysts

The reason why PCOS leads to ovarian cysts is because of issues with ovulation. When you have PCOS, your ovaries struggle to release healthy eggs; they can often be immature and not exit the follicle properly.

As a result, you can develop cysts on your ovaries, though you likely aren’t aware of this symptom as there usually are no outward signs of ovarian cysts. A pelvic exam or imaging test, such as a pelvic ultrasound, can reveal ovarian cysts.

3. Infertility

Thanks to the ovulation disorder that’s caused by PCOS, many women with the condition run into fertility issues. In fact, PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women.

4. Facial and body hair

Thanks to the excess androgen hormones, women with PCOS often develop hirsutism, which is hair growth on your face and body, typically around your chest, abdomen, and upper thighs. This side effect is found in seven out of 10 women with PCOS, so it’s quite common.

5. Obesity

There's a strong link between PCOS and obesity. Four out of five women with PCOS are carrying excess pounds.

6. Severe and persistent acne

Also common with PCOS are severe and strong acne outbreaks. These can affect your face and other parts of your body.

7. Patches of dark skin

Another side effect of the androgen imbalance are dark patches of velvety smooth skin that often develop in natural creases in your body, such as around your neck.

Schedule a PCOS evaluation

The symptoms associated with PCOS range from subtle to life-altering, and everything in between. Suffice it to say that the condition casts a wide net and can have a major impact on your quality of life.

The good news is that there are ways to manage PCOS and to improve many of these symptoms and complications.

If you can check some of the boxes of symptoms that we’ve reviewed, don’t ignore them. We want to see you for a PCOS evaluation. Contact Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology at one of our New York locations — in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, Queens, and Syosset on Long Island. You can also request an appointment using our convenient online scheduling.