Little known signs of PCOS that you might be ignoring as thousands of women remain undiagnosed
The painful health condition leaves thousands of women suffering in silence
Women are being urged to pay attention to a list of signs that may suggest they are suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - a condition which leaves thousands of women suffering in silence.
The NHS gives the following guidance when it comes to polycystic ovaries: "Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles that are up to 8mm (approximately 0.3in) in size.
"The follicles are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.
"It's difficult to know exactly how many women have PCOS, but it's thought to be very common, affecting about 1 in every 10 women in the UK."
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TikToker Raman Sekhon, who is a PCOS sufferer, has taken to the platform to share her insights and highlight 10 signs of PCOS to look out for.
She begins by saying that 'about 70% of women don't know they have it', and are 'left undiagnosed'.
She says: "If you have three or more of these symptoms, there's a high chance you might have PCOS."
Without further ado, here are the symptoms:
- Sudden weight gain
- Sudden weight loss
- Irregular period cycle
- Adult acne
- Excessive facial hair or unwanted body hair
- Male-pattern baldness
- Cysts on ovaries
- Insulin resistant
- Darkening of the skin or groin (pigmentation)
- Sudden changes in mood
The NHS UK further states that the main features of PCOS are:
- Irregular periods – when your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation)
- Excess androgen – high levels of 'male' hormones in your body, which can lead to physical signs or changes such as excess facial or body hair
- Polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs
Living with PCOS is also regarded to lead to an increased risk of health problems in later life, including type 2 diabetes and high levels of cholesterol.
It has also been outlined by the NHS how to adequately treat PCOS.
Their website states: "There's no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. Speak to a GP if you think you may have the condition.
"If you have PCOS and you're overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can make some symptoms better.
"Medicines are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.
"If fertility medicines are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.
"This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that's producing androgens, such as testosterone. With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant."
Kya Buller