“Recently I have been gaining weight, my hair is falling more than usual, and my periods are also not regular like before. I don’t understand what is happening. I don’t know whether this is a disease or not.” Even though I have these symptoms, I am not aware of whether I have PCOS. Here, even among people who have these symptoms, most women are not aware of PCOS. Among women aged 20–40, about 13% have PCOS. Unfortunately, although this condition is common, around 70% of women still do not know they have it.
❓ Why does PCOS happen? (Simple Explanation)
PCOS is not exactly a disease, but today many women experience it, so it is considered a health condition.
In PCOS:
- A woman’s body makes more male hormones (androgens) than normal.
- Because of this hormone imbalance:
o Periods become irregular
o Ovulation may not happen properly
o Getting pregnant can sometimes be difficult
Inside the ovaries, small cyst-like follicles can develop. Normally, the ovaries produce two hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone. These hormones help control the menstrual cycle. But with PCOS, the ovaries also produce extra androgens, and these androgens disturb the normal menstrual cycle.
🔍 How to know if you also have PCOS
Check whether you have the following symptoms:
- Excess oily skin on the face, chest, back, or body.
- Dark, thick patches of skin on areas such as the neck, underarms, or groin.
- Hair thinning or hair loss on the head, similar to male-pattern baldness.
- Excess body hair (especially on the face, chin, chest, stomach).
- You may also notice acne.
- Due to insulin resistance, there is a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Irregular menstrual cycles — your cycle may become longer, shorter, or unpredictable.
