PCOS is a challenging condition to recognize. It has a lot of different potential symptoms, and it doesn’t affect every woman the same way. Some women with PCOS experience every possible sign of the condition, while others may only have one or two not-so-prominent symptoms. If you suspect you might have PCOS but you’re not sure, this post will help you figure it out. I’ll explain how to test for PCOS and which testing I recommend beyond the basics, as well as which symptoms to look out for, and the basics of holistic treatment.
Main PCOS Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms of PCOS, it’s worth talking to your doctor. Even if your symptoms don’t necessarily bother you, a diagnosis is still important since PCOS can have some serious long-term complications.
- Irregular, infrequent or non-existent periods. When you do get your period, it can be very heavy and painful.
- You gain weight easily or have trouble losing weight.
- Increased oil production and acne.
- Female/male pattern hair loss.
- Excessive hair growth on the body, especially in areas where women normally only grow peachfuzz.
- Elevated insulin levels leading to intense hunger, sugar cravings, and fatigue. In the long term, it can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
- Fertility issues and trouble conceiving.
- This is a fairly unusual symptom of PCOS, but you may develop skin tags or dark patches, often near body folds or the back of the neck.
How PCOS is Diagnosed
Doctors don’t diagnose PCOS purely based on the symptoms we listed above. Instead, PCOS is diagnosed based on these three main criteria and the corresponding PCOS tests.
- Presence of 12 or more cysts on the ovaries: Your doctor or gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam or have you undergo an ultrasound to identify the cysts.
- Elevated levels of male sex hormones: This is identified through a blood test.
- Irregular menstrual cycle or no periods: Your doctor will ask you about the frequency and regularity of your periods.
If you present with two of these three factors and your doctor excluded the possibility of other conditions you will likely receive a PCOS diagnosis.
What Causes PCOS?
The precise cause of PCOS is unclear, in large part because the underlying reasons for it can differ from patient to patient.
PCOS often runs in the family and is likely caused by the overproduction of androgens. There are a few main types of PCOS, though, and it may also be caused by adrenal fatigue or any circumstances that greatly disrupt your hormonal balance like going off birth control or going through pregnancy.
There is also some uncertainty when it comes to what’s a symptom and what’s a cause, especially in the case of insulin resistance.
What Are the First Signs of PCOS?
PCOS usually first manifests during puberty, so the first sign to look for is menstrual irregularities. Most doctors will wait for two or three years after a girl has had her first period before diagnosing her with PCOS since it’s common for periods to be inconsistent in those early years.
Otherwise, any of the PCOS symptoms we listed above can show up quite early in life. In particular, you might find it easier to recognize the more visual symptoms, like hirsutism (i.e., body hair) and pattern hair loss. In your adult years, acne, food cravings, and difficulty losing weight are also good signs.
Mainstream vs Functional Medicine Testing
Your doctor will conduct both a physical exam and blood tests in order to diagnose you. However, mainstream PCOS tests are rarely enough, at least when it comes to seeking the best treatment.
As part of my practice, I always have my PCOS patients undergo a comprehensive series of labs and testing. Mainstream tests often only look at your balance of sex hormones and markers of insulin resistance, but in functional medicine testing, we look at other hormones as well, since any imbalance can impact your symptoms and overall well-being.
We also look at nutritional and inflammatory markers, to better understand what your body needs when it comes to your diet, lifestyle, and supplements. The result is a more comprehensive treatment approach that doesn’t just address your PCOS but treats your body as a complete system that requires balance.
Holistic Treatment
As a PCOS warrior myself, I’ve developed a method of treating PCOS holistically in a way that addresses not just your symptoms, but also their underlying causes.
As with any health condition that impacts the body’s hormonal systems, PCOS is very complex. Its impact on your life can be wide-reaching. That’s why my treatment approach is also wide-reaching.
Following a robust series of functional medicine tests, I can work with you to make the lifestyle changes that’ll help you feel like the best, strongest, and healthiest version of yourself. My approach focuses on nutrition and lifestyle, but it also incorporates supplements recommended based on your body’s unique needs.
Whatever your goal, be it related to weight loss, fertility, or achieving clearer skin, rest assured that it can be achieved holistically. Book your consultation to get started.