7 Little Known PCOS Complications

Post Updated 11/15/19

Knowledge is power and YOU are the one who should be in the driver's seat! 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, more commonly referred to as PCOS, can cause a lot of symptoms and long-term complications in the body.

I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer with this post, I just want you to know how serious these things can be so you can take control of your health! 

Some of these signs and symptoms you might know already are acne, hair loss, and weight gain (if you suffer from any of these symptoms then check out my natural remedies). But PCOS goes deeper than your physical appearance.

PCOS can cause these seven health-related issues.

1.      Lack of or irregular period

Sure, not having a period would be nice but it also signals something is wrong. You should be getting a menstrual cycle every month and if you aren’t you definitely want to talk with your OB/GYN and have some testing done.

What is considered a normal menstrual cycle?

A normal menstrual cycle is between 21- 35 days and can last between 2 to 7 days. Most women average around 5 days. If you aren't getting your period regularly then something is off with your body.

PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. If you aren’t getting a regular period, then you are not going to ovulate, and if you aren’t ovulating you won’t be able to get pregnant.

Be proactive about this symptom and make sure you are looking into the root cause of why you aren’t getting a period.

RELATED: Is the birth control pill the solution for PCOS?

2.      Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a huge obstacle for women with PCOS. It is seen in almost 80% of women with PCOS.

When your insulin levels are out of whack your body cannot perform critical tasks properly. The cells have trouble responding to the hormone insulin and are unable to use it effectively which can lead to high blood sugar.

This imbalance leads to increased testosterone that your body just doesn't know what to do with and you see problems with ovulation, the growth of coarse facial hair, cystic acne, and hair loss or thinning. Not to mention, insulin resistance puts you at risk for diabetes and makes weight loss near impossible.
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If you are experiencing these symptoms, make sure to discuss it with your doctor. There are blood tests they can run (even if they say there isn't) to see if this is the cause of your troubles. Addressing insulin resistance is a critical component of getting your PCOS under control.

Not sure if you are insulin resistant? Read this post about the 5 signs you are insulin resistant and what you can do about them.

Need help improving your insulin sensitivity? Then check out Ovasitol. It is an inositol supplement. Studies show that inositol improves the way the body uses insulin and promotes normal hormone levels, regular menstrual cycles, and normal ovulatory function.

3.      Depression and anxiety

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their counterparts who do not have PCOS.

In fact, over 60% of women with PCOS have mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder.

Mental health is such an important topic to talk about. Too many people are embarrassed or feel like they will be judged if they tell someone how they are truly feeling. You should not feel this way.

If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, or disordered eating there are resources and people who are willing to help you. You don't have to suffer in silence. You are not weak for needing help!

4.      Acanthosis nigricans

This is a skin pigmentation disorder characterized by dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. It is often found in the armpits, neck, and groin area. 

People who have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes usually notice this on their skin. Acanthosis nigricans also can signal disorders such as ovarian cysts, underactive thyroid, or problems with the adrenal glands.

5.      Uterine Cancer

The prolonged absence of menstrual cycles is a major symptom and risk factor for uterine cancer in women with PCOS.

When you aren’t ovulating, the lining of the uterus doesn’t shed as frequently as it should, and this can increase the risk of uterine cancer if not treated.

It is important to make sure you are getting your annual exam and you are working with a qualified healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that works for you.

6.      Heart disease

Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and higher levels of triglycerides which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.

Roughly 70% of women with PCOS have abnormal cholesterol levels.

The condition is called dyslipidemia, which causes high levels of triglycerides and low levels of good cholesterol (HDL). When you are insulin resistant, your body is already prone to high levels of triglycerides which can build up over time. When your HDL is low on top of that it can't play the good cop to bad cholesterol and help even things out. This puts stress on your blood vessels. This creates a perfect storm and puts you at greater risk for heart disease.

PCOS women need to make sure they discuss this with their doctors and that their levels are being monitored. All it takes is a simple blood test!
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Treatments will always be based on the results of those tests, family history, and other factors such as your weight and diet. Some things you can do on your own to help keep your cholesterol levels down is to limit saturated fats in your diet, stay active, and if you are smoking, STOP! ⠀⠀

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Heart disease is often overlooked or missed in women as a whole so you must advocate for yourself and speak up about your concerns.

Ready to take charge of your PCOS? Click here and get started today!

7.      Obstructive sleep apnea

This is when you have one or more pauses of breathing during sleep. This can cause problems if you are not getting enough oxygen. People who suffer from sleep apnea never feel quite rested and often have trouble concentrating due to their lack of quality sleep.

Sleep disturbances are two times more common in women with PCOS.

PCOS is a hormonal problem so it is no surprise that even sleep is an issue for us cysters! When your hormones are out of order it is difficult for the body to keep its sleep and wake cycles on target making all your other issues worse. Good sleep patterns are critical to good health. ⠀⠀

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Poor sleep patterns increase insulin resistance and can increase our risk of other PCOS symptoms and complications in the long term. If you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, don't just chalk it up to stress or a racing mind. There is a lot more to it and you need to bring it to the attention of your doctor.

How can you avoid these PCOS complications?

This list is no joke! PCOS is a complicated condition that doesn’t just affect a woman’s physical appearance. There is so much more going on below the surface that needs to be addressed.

To help you navigate PCOS the right way, I created The PCOS Tool Kit. It is a guide that breaks everything down for you from testing to supplements, recipes, studies, and fitness!

If you have PCOS you need to take care of yourself today, so you can enjoy the future you always imagined!

Explore the PCOS Tool Kit for a science-backed approach to conquer PCOS naturally. Your journey to vibrant health starts here.

The items listed above are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.

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