Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) The most common symptom of this syndrome is irregular periods. Prolonged menstrual intervals of more than 35 days; fewer than eight menstrual cycles per year; failure to menstruate for 4 months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy are examples.
Despite the fact that some women with PCOS have regular periods, high levels of androgens ('male' hormones) and excess insulin can disrupt the monthly cycle of ovulation and menstruation.
We've already seen that polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause irregular periods, but what causes it?
The following is how PCOS affects your menstrual cycle: each month, a follicle matures and is released by your ovaries to be fertilised. However, due to the hormonal imbalance seen in PCOS, the follicle does not mature or become released. Instead of being released, the follicle (commonly referred to as a cyst) remains in the ovaries and can be seen on an ultrasound. Androgen levels that are abnormally high can disrupt your menstrual cycle to the point of inhibiting ovulation (egg release). Thus, inhibiting egg release stops the subsequent stages of the menstrual cycle, causing hormonal disruption and an overall disruption in the normal cycle, resulting in the cessation of menstrual bleeding.
Keep in mind that this symptom can appear in a variety of ways. Some people with PCOS have regular periods every 28 days, while others have them every 30 to 40 days, and some don't have them at all. While this is a "normal" symptom of PCOS, it should be addressed, especially if you have fewer than eight or nine periods per year.
During a typical menstrual cycle, women suffer cramps and polycystic ovarian syndrome period pain, which is known as dysmenorrhea. Period pain from polycystic ovarian syndrome usually subsides with pain relievers and adequate rest in women with normal hormonal machinery. Period pain and cramps, on the other hand, can be truly debilitating in a small number of women with PCOS. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the medical term for this.
Without a doubt, these symptoms can be distressing and difficult to deal with, but there are ways to deal with them and maintain a decent quality of life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, listen to your doctor's advice and learn which treatment may be best for you.