Signs and Symptoms of PCOS in Teenage Girls

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that can have a variety of effects on young women, even if they are not planning to become pregnant. It occurs when the ovaries produce excessive androgens, disturbing the delicate equilibrium of reproductive hormones. This imbalance frequently causes irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unexpected ovulation. Despite the term "polycystic," having cysts on your ovaries is not always necessary for diagnosis. These cysts are usually harmless and do not cause pain. However, PCOS is a serious worry because it is the biggest cause of infertility in women and may increase the chance of having other health problems later in life. Let's go deeper into the reasons and common symptoms of Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in unmarried girls including irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and weight management issues. We'll also look at effective treatment options to help you manage PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Irregular or missing periods are a key indication of PCOS. The effects of PCOS on the ovaries can cause a girl to stop ovulating. PCOS is not diagnosed until 2-3 years following a girl's first menstrual cycle, as it might take up to two years for any girl's cycle to become regular.

The most common indications and PCOS symptoms in unmarried girls and women are:

• Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation refers to missing or not having a period at all. It can also result in severe bleeding during periods.
• Abnormal hair growth: You may develop extra facial hair or have heavy hair growth on your arms, chest, and belly (hirsutism). This affects up to 70% of those with PCOS.
• Acne: PCOS can cause acne, particularly on the back, chest, and face. This acne may last into your teenage years and be tough to treat.
• Obesity: 40–80% of patients with PCOS are obese and struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
• Darkening of the skin: You may develop dark patches of skin, particularly in the neck folds, armpits, groin (between the legs), and under the breasts. This is called acanthosis nigricans.
• Cysts: On ultrasound, many patients with PCOS have enlarged ovaries or a large number of follicles.
• Skin tags: These are little flaps of excess skin. They are commonly located in your armpits or on your neck.
• Thinning of hair: People with PCOS may lose patches of hair on their heads or start to go bald.
• Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in females. Failure to ovulate on a regular or frequent basis might lead to infertility.

What is Main Cause Of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

The exact cause of PCOS remains unclear. There is evidence that heredity plays a role. Several other factors, such as obesity, also contribute to the development of PCOS.

• Higher levels of male hormones (androgen): High androgen levels interfere with the ovaries from releasing eggs, resulting in irregular menstruation cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause tiny, fluid-filled sacs to form on the ovaries. High androgen levels also induce acne and excessive hair growth in women.
• Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes your ovaries to produce and release male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones hinder ovulation and increase other PCOS symptoms. Insulin assists your body in processing glucose (sugar) and utilizing it for energy. Insulin resistance occurs when your body does not properly process insulin, resulting in excessive glucose levels in your blood. Insulin resistance does not always result in high blood glucose levels or diabetes, although it can. Being overweight or obese might also lead to insulin resistance. Even if your blood glucose is normal, high insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance.
• Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS often experience lasting low-grade inflammation. Your doctor can run blood tests to detect levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body.

Complications of PCOS

PCOS can increase your risk of certain pregnancy issues; however, the majority of women with PCOS can successfully have a pregnancy. PCOS increases the risk of pregnancy problems, such as 

• Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure.
• Obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure can cause preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a C-section delivery.

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Diagnosed?

In the majority of cases, your doctor can diagnose PCOS after examining you and discussing your symptoms. They may prescribe blood tests or do an ultrasound to help with the diagnosis.

The healthcare provider will:

• Discuss your medical history and symptoms 
• Learn about your biological family's medical history
• Measure your weight and blood pressure
• Conduct a physical examination, checking for extra facial hair, hair loss, acne, discolored skin, and skin tags
• Perform a pelvic examination to rule out any other reasons for irregular bleeding
• Schedule blood tests to monitor hormone and glucose levels
• Perform a pelvic ultrasound to examine your ovaries, measure the thickness of your uterine lining, and look for other causes of irregular bleeding

Three symptoms are used to diagnose PCOS:

Typically, healthcare experts diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms:

• Irregular or missed menstruation. When some people with PCOS have a period, they experience very excessive bleeding.
• Acne and excessive hair growth are both signs of excess androgens. Or a blood test to confirm elevated androgen levels.
• Ultrasound images show enlarged or polycystic ovaries. Many people don't develop cysts.

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment Done?

Many factors influence PCOS treatment. These may include your age, severity of your symptoms, medical history, other health conditions, and overall health. The type of treatment you receive may also be determined by your desire to become pregnant in the future. Medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of the two are all possible treatments.

If you aren't planning to become pregnant, treatments include:

• Hormonal birth control: Includes tablets, patches, shots, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Hormonal birth control regulates your menstrual cycle; certain types also treat acne and unwanted hair growth.
• Insulin-sensitizing medication: Metformin is a medication used to manage diabetes. It helps your body manage insulin. Some patients with PCOS experience improvements in their menstrual cycles after adjusting their insulin levels.
• Medications to block androgens: Some drugs can inhibit the effects of androgens. This helps to control acne and hair development. Consult your healthcare medical professional to see whether such treatment works for you.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating a good diet and maintaining a healthy body weight can have a positive effect on insulin levels.

If you wish to get pregnant now or later, therapy for PCOS includes:

• Drugs that induce ovulation (egg release): Ovulation is the first step toward a successful pregnancy. Certain medicines have been shown to trigger ovulation in people with PCOS.
• Surgery: It can help restore ovulation by removing androgen-producing tissue from your ovaries. With newer drugs available, surgeons are less likely to conduct this surgery.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): is a possibility for people with PCOS who are unable to ovulate despite medication. Your egg is fertilized in a lab with your partner's sperm before being transferred to your uterus.

Managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Teen’s Guide

Having PCOS can be harmful to a girl's self-esteem. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the physical symptoms while dealing with the emotional aspects of living with PCOS. Many girls will experience a reduction or stoppage of excessive hair growth after using PCOS medications. Furthermore, many products can help remove unwanted hair. Depilatory treatments can gently remove facial hair from the upper lip and chin. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid developing a rash or allergic reaction. Tweezing and waxing, whether done at home or in a salon, can help with excess hair growth.

A dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin disorders) or a skilled hair removal expert can employ electrolysis and laser surgery to permanently remove unwanted hair, but these treatments are more expensive. Treatment with birth control tablets or antiandrogens may improve severe acne. If it doesn't, your doctor might recommend you see a dermatologist for help. A dermatologist can also prescribe medications to minimize skin darkening or discoloration and prevent hair growth. Some females with PCOS may develop depression, in which case consulting a therapist or other mental health expert may be beneficial. Talking with other PCOS-affected teens and women is an excellent method to share treatment information and receive support.

Conclusion

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women during childbearing years, causing symptoms like irregular periods, hair growth, and fertility struggles. Early diagnosis is crucial, and healthcare providers can recommend treatment plans based on individual needs. PCOS management involves medications, lifestyle modifications, and healthy habits. Following a doctor's advice and prioritizing a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management can improve overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can unmarried girls have PCOS?

A: Given that PCOS is a common cause of irregular periods in young, unmarried women, it highlights the necessity of not only raising awareness about the high risk but also effectively managing this rapidly growing contemporary health issue.

Q: How do unmarried girls manage PCOS?

A: Lifestyle modifications are crucial in managing PCOS, particularly for unmarried women. Regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and stress management can all help to relieve symptoms and enhance overall health.
 
Q: At what age does PCOS start?

A: Women of all races and ethnicities can have PCOS. It is common for women to discover they have PCOS when they are unable to conceive, but it usually appears soon after the first menstrual period, as early as age 11 or 12. It can also develop in the 20s or 30s.
 
Q: How long can PCOS cause a delay in your period?

A: Some women with PCOS can have three-week periods. Others may not have a period for three months, never knowing when or if it will appear. Some women may experience no periods at all. Only a small percentage of women with PCOS will have a normal menstrual cycle.
 
Q: Can girls get pregnant with PCOS?

A: PCOS doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common yet treatable reasons for female infertility. In women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances disrupt the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).