Around 10% of women have polycystic ovary syndrome, which is commonly called PCOS. Dr. A Michael Coppa and his staff offer gynecology care, including PCOS treatment, and have found that good, solid information available about this complex and mysterious syndrome is lacking. In this post, we describe six ways PCOS can affect your appearance.
Doctors, researchers, and women’s health experts don’t actually know much about PCOS. The reason it’s called a “syndrome” and not a “disease” is that we don’t know the exact underlying cause.
Women of childbearing age can develop PCOS. Many don’t realize they have it until they’re in their 20s or 30s, because many of the effects are hidden. Some women who have PCOS find they can’t get pregnant when they’re ready to.
What we do know about PCOS is that it’s the result of interactions between your ovaries, hormones, and insulin. It causes imbalances in your reproductive hormones and issues with your metabolism. PCOS can affect your appearance, your overall health, and your fertility.
If you have two of the following three symptoms, Dr. Coppa may make a clinical diagnosis of PCOS:
If your periods are at irregular intervals, or you miss periods sometimes, it could be a symptom of PCOS. For example, if you have PCOS, you might have fewer than eight periods per year, or your periods might last longer than seven days. Some women stop having periods completely.
Androgens are sometimes referred to as “male hormones” because they control male traits and reproduction in men. Women also produce androgens, though usually in lesser amounts.
Overproduction of androgens in women results in extra hair-growth and acne, and it can prevent ovulation. It’s a common symptom of PCOS.
Small cysts filled with fluid on your ovaries is another common symptom of PCOS. These cysts are different from larger ovarian cysts, and can interfere with ovulation and fertility. They’re visible on an ultrasound.
Most of the obvious physical effects of PCOS are due to excess androgens or insulin or both. Six of the more common signs include:
High levels of androgens can lead to extra hair growth on your face, chin, chest, or abdomen. This is called hirsutism, and around 70% of women with PCOS experience it.
You might also have oily skin and acne beyond adolescence when it abates for most people. You might notice it on your face, chest, or upper back, and it may be resistant to the usual treatments that alleviate acne.
Some women with PCOS have thinning hair, or even male pattern baldness due to the extra androgens.
Because PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, you may have higher-than-normal blood sugar. Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain and make it difficult to lose extra weight.
You may have darker spots on your skin, particularly in the creases of your neck or groin, or beneath your breasts. This could be due to PCOS. It’s called acanthosis nigricans and is often a sign of prediabetes and diabetes.
Another effect of excess insulin can sometimes be the appearance of skin tags or small flaps of skin. Usually these appear in your armpit or along your neck.
The most common reasons women with PCOS seek care are unwanted facial hair, acne, and fertility issues. However, the hidden health complications are often graver issues. Having PCOS increases your risk of:
Happily, there are several ways to mitigate these risks. For example, weight control is important in reducing your risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other associated conditions.
Lifestyle modifications can help as well. Consuming a heart-healthy diet, exercising more, and getting care for your irregular cycle are all important measures that can limit your PCOS symptoms and lower your risk of complications.
Whether you have reason to think you have PCOS or you’ve already been diagnosed, Dr. Coppa is happy to discuss treatment options that may help you. Schedule an appointment at the location nearest you, and find out what treatments are available.
