If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ve probably seen me mention PCOS here and there, along with bits and pieces of my experience. But I’ve never actually sat down and dedicated an entire post to it before. So, let’s start at the beginning with a proper introduction and answer the question: what is PCOS?
What is PCOS?
What is PCOS? PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens, which are often referred to as male hormones. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a wide range of symptoms, and no two women experience it in exactly the same way.
If you want a more clinical breakdown of what is PCOS, you can read more on this detailed PCOS overview or explore research-backed information from the NCBI medical database.
In my case, it means my body produces more testosterone than the average woman, which comes with a few frustrating side effects. There is a long list of possible symptoms, but not everyone with PCOS experiences all of them.
The name “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” can also be a little misleading. You can have PCOS with or without ovarian cysts, and having ovarian cysts does not automatically mean you have PCOS. That’s one of the reasons why understanding what is PCOS is so important, because it is about far more than just cysts.
If you’d like to read more about my personal health journey, you can also check out my post here:
my health journey on the blog.
I’m going to share some of the most common symptoms of PCOS, while also talking about the ones I personally experience and how they affect my everyday life.
PCOS Symptoms
Irregular periods or no periods at all
This was the first sign that made me think something might be wrong. I only get my period three to four times a year. To help regulate my cycle, I take birth control. Without it, I experience extreme discomfort and very heavy bleeding.
Difficulty getting pregnant
This usually happens because of irregular ovulation or not ovulating at all. I haven’t actively tried to get pregnant, but I’ve also never accidentally fallen pregnant, so I suppose that says enough.
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
This can happen on the face, chest, back or other parts of the body. For me, it shows up on my chin. I’ve waxed and shaved the hair before, and no, it does not grow back thicker, darker or faster. Those are myths. I’ve also had two sessions of laser hair removal, which helped a lot.
Weight gain
Yes, I’m overweight, and PCOS definitely plays a role in that. Birth control has not exactly helped either, and if I’m being honest, I also drew the short straw in the genetics department. Over time, I’ve chosen to focus more on body positivity and self-acceptance instead of hating my body for things I cannot fully control.
PCOS can also cause insulin resistance, which makes weight loss much more difficult. When I was younger, I tried different diets and once managed to lose 25kg. Unfortunately, that led to gallstones and a cholecystectomy, which then left me with IBS as a side effect. My body has really said, “plot twist,” more than once.
Thinning hair and hair loss from the scalp
Hair where I don’t want it, and hair loss where I’d actually like to keep it. That feels particularly unfair. I’ve experienced thinning hair over the past few years, mostly on the top of my head. Out of all my symptoms, this one affects me the most emotionally. I used to have very thick hair, and now it sometimes leaves me feeling self-conscious. After doing a lot of research, I’ve been looking into trying minoxidil. PCOS-related hair loss is often linked to androgenic alopecia.
Oily skin or acne
I have oily skin, and not just on my face. My scalp gets oily very quickly too, which means I have to wash my hair daily or it starts looking awful. The problem is that I also have eczema, and washing my hair so often aggravates that. It’s a lovely little cycle of chaos.
Excessive sweating
I often wake up completely drenched or start sweating far too easily on a moderately warm day. Hormonal imbalances can affect the way the body regulates metabolism, blood pressure and temperature, which is why sweating can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of PCOS.
Darkening of the skin, usually on the neck or underarms
I experience this in my underarms. I try to use products that help brighten the area, and black soap actually made a noticeable difference for me.
Depression and anxiety
Living with symptoms like these can take a real emotional toll. Depression and anxiety are also linked to PCOS, and they are both things I’ve struggled with too.
Living with PCOS
Even with all of the symptoms above, I try to love myself through every phase. Some days are easier than others, but I am learning to be kinder to myself and to appreciate my body for everything it carries me through.
“As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide what is best for you – the first time around.” – Oprah Winfrey
