Five overlooked symptoms of PCOS and how to deal with them
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a very common condition among women - however, there is still a major lack of research and information about what causes the condition and how to treat it.
According to the NHS, PCOS is thought to affect about one in every 10 women in the UK. It is an endocrine disorder that causes a range of symptoms, from polycystic ovaries (where the ovaries develop many small ‘cysts’) to irregular periods and ovulation.
PCOS is also one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women and, if not properly managed, can lead to additional health issues as women get older, says PCOS charity Verity.
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, hormone expert Mike Kocsis, of Balance My Hormones, explains how it can occur. "PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovaries, the reproductive organs, and oestrogen and progesterone levels (the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle)," he tells Yahoo UK.
"It occurs when your body produces unusually high levels of the male sex hormone androgens, which causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced."
He adds that PCOS often runs in families, which may mean it is a genetic issue. Apart from genetics, the condition can also be caused by "abnormal hormone levels, high levels of insulin in the body, and it is thought that being overweight is a factor too".
Watch: Bebe Rexha has been struggling with painful cysts, acne and weight gain in her battle with PCOS
5 overlooked symptoms of PCOS
Excessive body hair
Kocsis says: "It’s fairly common knowledge that excessive, dark facial and neck hair in women is a sign of PCOS. Known as hirsutism, this is caused by an excess production of androgen in the body.
"However, it’s not just facial hair that you should look out for. Excessive, thick and dark hair around the nipples, chest, back, buttocks and thighs can also be a sign of PCOS as your body is producing too many androgens.
"It’s worth mentioning that if the hair is thin and light, then this is perhaps less of a concern than if the hair is thicker and darker."
How to deal with it
If excessive hair growth is something you are concerned about, there are a few ways to manage it. Weight management in order to help control hormone levels may be recommended by some experts, and this can help with hair growth.
Many women turn to traditional hair removal methods like shaving and waxing. However, this can become monotonous and tiresome, particularly as hair can grow back faster with PCOS.
Kocsis recommends paying a visit to your doctor who can test your blood levels and prescribe creams or even contraception to help regulate hair growth.
"Remember that body hair is normal and nothing to be ashamed of," he adds. "Whether you decide to keep it or not is entirely your decision and should be based on what makes you feel comfortable."
Thinning hair from the head
High levels of androgen production can lead to excessive hair growth on parts of the body. However, it can also lead to hair on the head thinning, becoming drier and damaged, and even falling out entirely.
"Not only that but you may find your scalp to feel drier and itchier, with dandruff and build-up being another common symptom with PCOS sufferers," Kocsis says.
How to deal with it
Traditional over-the-counter remedies such as specialised shampoos, alongside multivitamins rich in iron, magnesium and zinc can make a significant difference, Kocsis recommends.
However, he advises that if you don’t see any difference or improvement after around six months, you should visit a doctor who can prescribe antiandrogens, a medical shampoo or contraceptives to help balance your hormones.
Sugar cravings
"Insulin is a key hormone which is responsible for managing your blood sugar levels and turns food into energy," the hormone expert says.
"According to the NHS, many women with PCOS are resistant to insulin and produce higher levels to overcome this which causes people to feel hungry, fatigued and crave sugary foods."
How to deal with it
"Other than keeping a balanced diet and avoiding too much sugar in your diet, if you find yourself craving foods or binge-eating more then you should visit a doctor who will be able to support you.
"Otherwise, the more sugar you eat to satisfy your cravings, the more likely you are to eventually develop type 2 diabetes, which is a common illness with PCOS sufferers."
Sleep apnoea
A surprising symptom of PCOS is sleep apnoea, which is a sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. This can result in loud snoring, gasping or choking during the night, and waking up with a sore throat and dry mouth.
Kocsis points to a 2011 study conducted by the University of Chicago that found the risk of sleep apnoea is "at least five to ten-fold higher in women with PCOS" due to the insulin imbalance caused by the condition.
Research has also shown that women with PCOS are more likely to experience poor sleep quality or chronic daytime sleepiness.
How to deal with it
The NHS states that sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, giving up smoking, and reducing your alcohol consumption.
People with sleep apnoea often use a device called a CPAP machine, which is available for free on the NHS if you require it. The machine helps improve your breathing while you sleep.
Dry and dark patches of skin
"If you’ve noticed dark and dry isolated patches of skin across your body, this could be a sign of PCOS," according to Kocsis.
"The patches, medically referred to as Acanthosis Nigricans, usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin and are linked to both imbalanced hormone and insulin levels."
How to deal with it
"There is not a 'one size fits all' treatment for the patches, and although over-the-counter lotions can easy any discomfort, the best way to treat this is to visit your doctor.
"A doctor can find and treat the root cause by taking a blood test to determine your hormone levels, which could indicate PCOS. Alternatively, a doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can suggest treatments to improve appearance."
Read more about women's health:
How to look after your heart health during menopause (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read)
Middle-aged women with PCOS are at risk of 'early brain ageing' and gut issues (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, causes and treatments (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
