Length of time between periods is longer than 35 days Fewer than 8 periods per year No period for 4 months or longer Lengths of time when you have either very light or very heavy periods Studies show that about 50% of women with PCOS have prolonged intervals between their menstrual periods (this is known as oligomenorrhea). About 20% of women with PCOS have no menstrual periods (this is known as amenorrhoea). Infrequent or irregular ovulation is called oligoovulation. Anovulation is the complete absence of ovulation. If you suspect that you are not ovulating – whether the root of the problem turns out to be PCOS or something else – you should see a doctor.
Extra hair might grow on your face, stomach, toes, thumbs, chest or back.
You should have a reproductive endocrinologist review the results of your ultrasound. A reproductive endocrinologist specializes in reproductive and fertility issues, such as PCOS, endometriosis, in-vitro fertilization and uterine abnormalities. If the ultrasound is reviewed by a non-specialist, a polycystic ovary is often called ’normal,’ meaning no tumor is seen. This is because this doctor is not trained to see specific abnormalities. Sometimes, doctors might misdiagnose the problem, or suggest that the patient exercise more to lose the weight caused by PCOS.
Weight gain Sugar cravings Feeling hungry frequently or intensely Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated Anxiety or panic Fatigue As a symptom of PCOS, hyperinsulinemia is connected to the increased production of androgens. This can cause oily skin, acne, facial and body hair. In addition, you may gain weight around your abdomen. If your doctor suspects you have hyperinsulinemia, she will likely order a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Treatment for hyperinsulinemia includes a diet and exercise plan and may also include a drug called Metformin, which can reduce your insulin levels. Whether your doctor prescribes Metformin or not, ask for a referral to a dietician. A good nutrition plan is a crucial part of treatment. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Check fasting insulin, glucose, hemoglobin A1c and c-peptide levels. Although there is no definitive test to diagnose insulin resistance, these levels are often higher than normal in PCOS patients with insulin resistance.
Higher hormone levels sometimes increase the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS who do manage to get pregnant. See your doctor if you cannot get pregnant.
About 38% of women with PCOS are obese. An obese adult typically has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
It is common for women with PCOS to have family members who have diabetes. It is common for women with PCOS to have been unusually small or unusually large babies at birth.
Medical history: Your doctor will talk to you about your family history and your lifestyle habits such as exercise, smoking, diet and stress. She will also ask you about your attempts to get pregnant. Physical and pelvic exam: Your doctor will weigh you, check your body mass index. She will take your blood pressure, examine your glands, and give you a pelvic exam. Blood tests: You will get some blood tests. These will check your glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and androgen levels, along with some other levels. Vaginal ultrasound: You may get an ultrasound that will determine if you have cysts on your ovaries.
Eat nutritious foods, avoid junk foods, get plenty of exercise, and do not smoke. Become familiar with the glycemic index. This is a number that corresponds to the degree to which a food causes a high level of insulin release when it is consumed. You want to eat more foods with a low glycemic index and avoid foods with a high glycemic index. You can find the glycemic index of most common foods at www. glycemicindex. com.
A healthy blood pressure for women is 120 over 80 less. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
A healthy diet, exercise and weight loss can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Urinating frequently Feeling very thirsty or hungry Extreme fatigue Healing slowly from bruises or cuts Blurred vision Tingling, numbness or pain in your hands or feet
This risk can be reduced by inducing regular periods either with birth control pills or with periodic administration of synthetic forms of progesterone to provoke a period. It can also be done using an IUD that contains progestin such as Mirena or Skyla.
