Who’s the culprit?! In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The main culprit in PCOS is male hormones (androgens) 😒
Yesterday, we talked about some of the symptoms caused by elevated androgens — today we’ll go over the rest of them 🤚
🔹 Hair loss (male-pattern baldness) 🥶
Just like what happens in men, women with PCOS can also experience hair thinning either on the crown (top of the head) or along the hairline, especially at the temples.
🔹 Other signs indicating increased male hormones include a deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, loss of the feminine body shape, and in some cases (not all), enlargement of the clitoris.
🔹 Other important symptoms caused by androgen dominance:
Besides irregular menstrual cycles, delayed fertility, and emotionally distressing symptoms like excess hair growth (hirsutism) and acne, elevated androgen levels are also linked to medical conditions that often accompany PCOS:
- Insulin resistance
High androgen levels increase the risk of insulin resistance. However, with proper treatment and lowering testosterone levels, insulin sensitivity can be improved. - Obesity
While obesity is a known risk factor for PCOS, even women with normal weight can develop the syndrome. Excess androgens play a major role in fat storage, especially around the abdomen. - Cardiovascular problems
Elevated testosterone and reduced estrogen levels increase the risk of heart and vascular complications.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is far from easy for any woman — before it becomes physically exhausting, it’s often mentally and emotionally draining. We see you, we feel you. 💙