Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms
Disease description:
My menstrual flow is light, and I also experience dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). After examination, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I would like to know what other symptoms are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
The main symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include the following aspects:
1. Menstrual abnormalities: Patients often experience oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), or irregular uterine bleeding. A minority of patients may present with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
2. Signs of elevated androgen levels: Such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne. Increased androgen levels lead to excessive body hair, particularly on the upper lip, jawline, chest, back, and lower abdomen. Acne presents as oily skin with visible comedones, pustules, papules, and nodules on the face.
3. Infertility: PCOS often causes abnormal or absent ovulation, leading to infertility in many patients. Even in cases of occasional ovulation, miscarriage may occur.
4. Obesity: Approximately half of the patients are obese, typically presenting with abdominal obesity.
5. Acanthosis nigricans: Some patients develop gray-brown pigmentation and thickened skin with a soft, velvety texture in areas such as the labia, neck, back, axillae, under the breasts, and groin.
