Many Women Experience It, But Don't Know Its Name

Have you ever experienced irregular periods, persistent acne, or excessive hair loss? If so, your body could be signaling something more serious: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) .

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age, but it often goes unnoticed because its symptoms seem "normal." However, if left untreated, PCOS can affect fertility, metabolism, and even mental health.

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition in which a woman's reproductive hormones are imbalanced , primarily due to the body producing excess male hormones (androgens). This leads to ovulation disorders, which directly impact the menstrual cycle and fertility.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine (outbound link), about 1 in 10 women have PCOS, but many only realize it after experiencing difficulty getting pregnant or other severe symptoms.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but the most common ones are:

• Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face or body
• Chronic acne , especially on the chin and jaw
• Hair loss on the head like male pattern baldness
• Difficulty losing weight , especially in the stomach area
• Small cyst on the ovary (seen on ultrasound)
  

Because the symptoms can be subtle, many women assume it's just part of "hormonal instability." However, it could be a hidden sign of PCOS .

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is not yet known for certain, but some contributing factors include:

1. Descendants

If your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk of having it increases as well.

2. Insulin Resistance

Many women with PCOS have bodies that don't respond to insulin normally , causing blood sugar and insulin levels to rise—which triggers excess androgen production.

3. Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Low-grade inflammation can also trigger the ovaries to produce more male hormones.

The Impact of PCOS If Left Untreated

Don't take PCOS lightly. If left untreated, it can lead to:

●     Infertility (difficulty getting pregnant)

●     Type 2 diabetes

●     High blood pressure

●     High cholesterol

●     Depression and anxiety

●     Long-term endometrial cancer

How to Manage PCOS?

PCOS can't be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed . Management can be done naturally or with medical assistance.

1. Improve your diet and weight

Being overweight exacerbates insulin resistance. A balanced diet high in fiber, low in sugar, and rich in antioxidants is highly recommended.

2. Regular exercise

Physical activity helps the body become more sensitive to insulin and supports weight loss.

3. Use Supplements or Herbal Medicines

Some herbs can help balance hormones naturally.
One safe and natural option is Herbal Menses Medicine – Menstrual Cycle Regulator and Pain Relief . This product helps regulate menstruation and supports hormonal balance in people with mild to moderate PCOS.

4. Medical Therapy If Necessary

Doctors may prescribe birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles or metformin to reduce insulin resistance.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult immediately if you experience:

●     No menstruation for more than 2–3 months without pregnancy

●     Symptoms of excessive hair growth

●     Stubborn acne despite treatment

●     Recurrent miscarriage

●     Difficulty getting pregnant for more than 1 year

The sooner PCOS is recognized, the greater the chance of managing and normalizing your cycle and reproductive function.

Don't Be Ashamed to Talk About PCOS

Many women don't realize that the "minor" symptoms they experience are part of a larger syndrome. The more you understand your body, the easier it will be to take steps toward hormonal and emotional health.

PCOS isn't the end of the world. With a healthy lifestyle, the right medical support, and herbal remedies, you can stay active, healthy, and even conceive naturally.