Do I Have PCOS? Take the Quiz

What Are the Signs of PCOS?

PCOS can show up in varying degrees in different women. Not every woman will show each symptom of PCOS and symptoms can even change in the course of a woman’s life. That’s why it is important to get tested if you suspect having PCOS, to confirm the root cause of your symptoms. However, these are some of the common signs and symptoms that you may experience:

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Excess facial/body hair
• Scalp hair loss
• Dark skin patches
• Trouble conceiving
• Fatigue
• Cravings
• Mood disorder

What Are the Types?

PCOS is a complex condition that can show up as many different symptoms. It’s a cluster of symptoms that can change through the course of a woman’s life with no If you have heard of PCOS, you must’ve also heard about the different types of PCOS. However, medically there are no ‘types’ of PCOS — these four types were created and widely accepted to help people better make sense of the condition.

• Insulin-resistant PCOS
• Inflammatory PCOS
• Adrenal PCOS
• Post-pill PCOS

PCOS/PCOD vs. Endometriosis

There are many differences in the symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis as both these conditions can affect your reproductive system in varying ways — however, there are certain overlaps between PCOS and endometriosis which can sometimes feel confusing. And one particularly challenging aspect of both these conditions are that the symptoms can go overlooked and can take a years to get diagnosed. This makes proper diagnosis an important part of receiving the right treatment.

PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder that can cause hormonal imbalance, especially in the levels of insulin and androgen. This hormonal imbalance can affect many areas of your reproductive, metabolic and psychological health. Many symptoms of PCOS can seem non-specific and can go overlooked for years until the symptoms become severe or obvious. Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, weight gain, excess facial/body hair, scalp hair loss, acne, among others. Treatment mainly focuses on making lifestyle changes and taking medications where required.

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological conditions in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places in the body. The primary symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Remember that it is not OK to have severe period pain. Endometriosis can be classified from stage I to stage IV, depending on the severity. Depending on the location of your endometrial tissue, endometriosis can also affect other organs such as your ovaries, bladder and bowel. Treatment is broadly comprised of pain-relief medications, hormone therapy, healthy lifestyle and in advanced stages, surgery can also be recommended.

How Do I Know if I Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, excess facial hair, acne or scalp hair loss — speak to a doctor who can assess your condition and recommend appropriate tests. PCOS cannot be diagnosed simply based on the symptoms, blood tests and scans are always required. And since many other conditions can show similar symptoms to that of PCOS, it is important to rule out other causes of your symptoms before a formal diagnosis of PCOS can be made.