Tissues and organs perform specific functions with the help of proteins our body make. Hormones are proteins that control our ability to use and absorb nutrients, emotions, sexual function, fertility, and our body’s growth.

Female hormone disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome is the result of a hormonal imbalance. Either you have too little or too much of one or more hormones. In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the imbalance is caused by reproductive hormones. An imbalance in reproductive hormones can cause many issues involving the ovaries.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

There are many common struggles women face with PCOS, and the biggest one is the inability to become pregnant. While not every woman with PCOS has this challenge, this condition will prevent you from ovulating.

Half the women who have PCOS are unaware that they have it, making this condition more common than people realize. In fact, PCOS affect millions of women in the United States. The fact that so many women are unaware of PCOS is due to a lack of knowledge surrounding the symptoms.

Some signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

#1. Craving Carbs

Craving junk food happens to many of us on a fairly regular basis. But those with PCOS may also notice that the foods they desire are particularly high in carbohydrates, such as:

• Beer or juice
• Corn, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables
• Whole fruits like mangos and bananas
• Pasta

#2. Heavy or Irregular Periods

Many women have imperfect menstrual cycles. However, if your period has a really heavy flow or is often late, it could be a sign of PCOS. In this case, the syndrome is creating the irregularities preventing your body from releasing eggs. And this can really disrupt your menstrual cycle schedule.

#3. More Male Hormones

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the way your hormones work. Consequently, it can sometimes cause a decrease in feminine hormones like estrogen, and increase in masculine hormones like testosterone.

This symptom is visible on women by excess facial hair on the chin and lips, or even longer/thicker sideburns. As a result of these hormone imbalances it can present thinning hair that is consistent with male pattern baldness. Or cause the onset of adult acne.

#4. Constant Fatigue

Another symptom of PCOS could be if you are constantly tired, even after you get the recommended 8+ hours of sleep.

If your breathing is interrupted while you are sleep, this is known as sleep apnea and can be another symptom of PCOS. Because your brain is prevented from receiving necessary amounts of oxygen, this pause in breathing can be especially dangerous.

#5. Other Health Concerns

In addition to troublesome conditions like excess facial hair and acne, some women with PCOS succumb to other health issues like:

• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Anxiety
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes

There Is Good News

While there is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, your OBGYN at Riverwalk OB/GYN Women’s Health can work with you for suitable solutions. We can help you find effective ways to deal with this condition. For example, many of the conditions associated with PCOS are treatable such as infertility, high blood pressure, and adult acne. In these cases, they can be treated with prescription medications and healthy habits.