People with PCOS experience varying symptoms, many of which mimic other diseases.
Some people may show no symptoms at all.
As a result, only a small percentage of people with PCOS will have a monthly period.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
Compared to women without PCOS, women with the condition tend to experience higher levels of insulin.
Having high insulin levels can also contribute to increasedcravingsand low blood sugar.
Acne production is usually due to higher levels of androgen testosterone.
This is another effect of higher androgen levels, such as testosterone.
People with PCOS also have a higherchance of miscarriage.
Sleep apnea can contribute to insulin resistance and high blood pressure, as well as fatigue.
About 20% of women with PCOS develop sleep apnea.
This condition increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Many people with PCOS get diagnosed only after trusting their intuition that something isnt right.
Rarely, they enlarge enough to cause pain, bleeding, or a twisted ovary.
These symptoms may result in seeking emergency care.
A Word From Verywell
Its important to get diagnosed with PCOS as soon as possible.
Earlydetectionand treatment of PCOS can make a big difference in protecting your short- and long-term health.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe metformin due to the connection between PCOS and insulin resistance.
Fertilitytreatmentsmay vary based on the individual patient with PCOS and will likely require referral to a fertility specialist.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one natural way to treat PCOS.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise are natural ways to achieve that.
2011;3:25-35. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S11304
McCartney CR, Marshall JC.Clinical practice.
polycystic ovary syndrome.N Engl J Med.
2016;375(1):5464. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1514916
MedlinePlus.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
