Do I Have PCOS? Take a 2-Minute PCOS Symptoms Quiz
Common Symptoms of PCOS and Menstrual Cycle
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome caused by sex hormone imbalances in people with ovaries.
It can cause a range of symptoms, and the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. It is not uncommon for people to discover they have it after deciding to stop taking hormonal birth control.
Scroll down to find the PCOS quiz!
The three main features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include:
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: People with PCOS often have irregular periods, and the length of their menstrual cycles may be unpredictable.
Some may have painful periods or long cycles, while others may experience frequent periods.
Hyperandrogenism: High levels of male hormones can lead to unwanted hair growth, body hair (and facial hair), and physical symptoms such as:
Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth on the body.
Acne: Increased androgens can contribute to bad acne and oily skin.
Male-Pattern Baldness: Thinning hair or hair loss similar to male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries may be enlarged with many follicles.
However, not everyone with PCOS will have polycystic ovaries, and having them does always mean you have PCOS.
Other common signs and symptoms and associated conditions may include:
Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight: Many individuals with PCOS struggle with weight management and may be holding onto excess weight.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance happens when your body can't absorb the glucose in your bloodstream due to poor insulin response.
Fertility Issues: PCOS is a common cause of infertility due to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation.
Mood Changes: Some may experience depression, or anxiety.
Sleep Apnea: There's an increased risk of sleep apnea in individuals with PCOS.
Because PCOS is a syndrome, the symptoms may manifest differently in people and can change due to environmental and nutritional factors.
If you suspect you have PCOS or are experiencing symptoms associated with it, consult with a trained medical professional for an official diagnosis and appropriate management.
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both, depending on your own symptoms, and goals.
PCOS can have secondary effects on the body including leading to pre diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure. So it's important to find a solution. Keep reading for additional PCOS resources!
PCOS requires effective treatment, which can be achieved by making lifestyle adjustments.
Remember the root cause might be several factors, and there is also a genetic basis for the syndrome. You can reduce symptoms once you have a PCOS diagnosis!
PCOS Symptoms Quiz
Here is a PCOS quiz to help you identify potential signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Question 1: How would you describe your menstrual cycle?
A. Regular and predictable
B. Irregular, with varying cycle lengths
C. I have irregular periods or no periods at all
Question 2: Have you noticed changes in your skin?
A. My skin is mostly clear
B. I have occasional acne or oily skin
C. I experience persistent acne or dark patches on my skin
Question 3: How is your body weight distributed?
A. Evenly distributed
B. I tend to gain weight in the abdominal area
C. I have difficulty losing weight, or have experience weight gain especially in the abdominal region
Question 4: Do you experience excessive or abnormal hair growth often?
A. My hair growth is normal
B. I have some excess or unwanted hair growth on my face or body
C. I have significant excess hair growth (hirsutism)
Question 5: Have you had challenges with fertility or any irregular cycles or ovulation?
A. No fertility issues
B. I've experienced occasional fertility challenges
C. I've struggled with infertility or irregular ovulation
Question 6: Have you noticed changes in your mood or experienced anxiety?
A. My mood is generally stable
B. I have occasional mood swings or anxiety
C. I frequently experience mood swings or anxiety
Question 7: Do you have insulin resistance or elevated blood sugar levels?
A. Normal insulin and blood sugar levels
B. I've had occasional issues with blood sugar
C. I've been diagnosed with insulin resistance or elevated blood sugar
Question 8: Have you experienced hair thinning or hair loss on your scalp?
A. My hair is normal
B. I've noticed some hair thinning
C. I've experienced significant hair thinning or hair loss
Results:
Mostly A's: Your answers suggest that you may not currently exhibit signs of PCOS. However, it's essential to monitor your health and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Mostly B's: Your responses indicate some signs that may be associated with PCOS. It's recommended to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Mostly C's: Your answers suggest that you may be experiencing signs commonly associated with PCOS. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Remember that this quiz is a general guide, and individuals should always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized advice based their own situation.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is often associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and the relationship between the two is significant.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells in the body absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream for energy. When a person is insulin resistant they can't use the glucose in the bloodstream (leading to increased blood sugar and hormonal imbalance .)
Here's how insulin resistance and PCOS are connected:
Hyperinsulinemia:
In many people with PCOS, there is an increased production of insulin (hyperinsulinemia) to compensate for the reduced effectiveness of insulin in promoting glucose uptake by cells.
Ovulatory Dysfunction:
Insulin resistance can contribute to hormonal imbalances, disrupting the normal regulation of reproductive hormones. This disruption can lead to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation), which is a common characteristic of PCOS.
Increased Androgen Production:
Insulin resistance may stimulate the ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens, such as testosterone. Elevated androgen levels can contribute to symptoms like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and male-pattern hair loss—all of which are common in PCOS.
Impact on Weight:
Insulin resistance can make it more challenging for individuals with PCOS to manage their weight. Weight gain or obesity can further exacerbate insulin resistance, creating a cycle that contributes to the progression of PCOS symptoms.
Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:
Insulin resistance is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. People with PCOS, particularly those with insulin resistance, may have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Management:
Lifestyle modifications, including updating home products, regular exercise and a balanced diet, and supplements, are often recommended to improve insulin sensitivity and manage PCOS symptoms.
Medications are sometimes prescribed to manage insulin resistance and help regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.
Not everyone with PCOS is insulin resistant!
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage PCOS Symptoms?
Yes, lifestyle changes are one of the easiest and most sustainable treatment options for managing symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
There isn't a cure for PCOS but you can manage symptoms and live a healthy life by making some food, lifestyle and habit changes. Here are several lifestyle changes that may be beneficial for women with PCOS:
Regular Exercise:
Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity, manage weight, and regulate menstrual cycles.
Both aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, jogging, swimming) and strength training can be beneficial.
Balanced Diet:
Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for managing weight and improving overall health.
Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Limit intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates.
Weight Management:
While PCOS can manifest itself in people of many different shapes and sizes, if you are holding excess weight, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate symptoms of PCOS, particularly those related to insulin resistance.
Even a modest weight loss (around 5-10% of body weight) can have positive effects on hormonal balance and ovulation.
Regular Meal Timing:
Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.
Hydration:
Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health.
Stress Management:
Chronic stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxation methods may be beneficial.
Adequate Sleep:
Getting enough quality sleep is important for hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol:
Moderating caffeine and alcohol intake can contribute to better hormonal balance.
Supplements:
Some women with PCOS may benefit from certain supplements, such as inositol, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Regular Check-ups:
Regular medical check-ups are important for monitoring and managing PCOS symptoms.
Medication:
In some cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to manage specific symptoms.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of lifestyle changes can vary from person to person, and individualized approaches are often necessary.
How is PCOS Diagnosed by Healthcare Providers?
The diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is typically based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic criteria.
Healthcare providers, such as gynecologists or endocrinologists, use a set of established guidelines to diagnose PCOS. Here are the key steps and criteria involved in the diagnosis:
Medical History:
The healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, which includes information about menstrual cycles, symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and weight changes.
Physical Examination:
A physical examination may be conducted to assess signs of PCOS, such as body mass index (BMI), distribution of body fat, and signs of increased androgen levels (e.g., hirsutism, acne).
Menstrual History:
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common with PCOS. A doctor will inquire about the regularity of menstrual cycles, the presence of amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods), and any other menstrual abnormalities.
Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests may be ordered to assess hormone levels, including:
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): The LH/FSH ratio is often elevated in women with PCOS.
Testosterone: Elevated levels may contribute to symptoms like hirsutism.
Free androgen index (FAI) or calculated free testosterone: Assessing androgen levels.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): Elevated levels are associated with increased ovarian activity.
Glucose and Insulin Levels: To evaluate insulin resistance.
Pelvic Ultrasound:
Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound may be performed to examine the ovaries for the presence of multiple small cysts (follicles) and the characteristic appearance of polycystic ovaries. Not all people with PCOS will have polycystic ovaries, and the absence of cysts does not rule out PCOS.
Exclusion of Other Conditions:
Other medical conditions that can mimic symptoms of PCOS, such as thyroid disorders or adrenal conditions, should be ruled out.
Meeting Diagnostic Criteria:
PCOS is often diagnosed when individuals meets specific criteria. A person can be diagnosed with PCOS with two out of the following three criteria :
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (e.g., hirsutism, elevated testosterone levels).
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Consultation with a Specialist:
In some cases, healthcare providers may refer individuals with suspected PCOS to specialists such as endocrinologists or reproductive endocrinologists for further evaluation and management.
It's important to emphasize that PCOS is a complex condition with varied symptoms, and not all women with PCOS will have similar symptoms or present with the same features.
A comprehensive approach, including a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests, helps healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment plans to individual needs.
