While the problem of lots of having facial hair can seem irrelevant to someone, it may also be a symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or simply PCOS. And this condition may cause even more serious health problems, including cancer, type II diabetes, and infertility, says Mayo Clinic.
READ ALSO: Cushing's Syndrome: Why It Develops, Its Symptoms, And What To Do In Addition To Treatment
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a health condition that targets women's hormone system, making their bodies produce more male hormones than they actually need. It disrupts the work of ovaries and may result in irregular menstrual cycles or even lead to difficulties with conceiving a baby. Furthermore, Womenshealth.gov marks PCOS as one of the main factors causing female infertility.
READ ALSO: Bipolar Disorder: 16 Typical Symptoms To Look Out For
While doctors still do not know what exactly triggers the condition, they usually name three factors that increase the possibility of its development:
- genetic disposition;
- insulin resistance;
- inflammation.
The major problem is that many people are often unaware of having PCOS. In one study from 2009, almost 70% of the women who had the disease did not know about it. So, learning the main signs of the disease is crucial for getting diagnosed early.
READ ALSO: Stomach Cancer: Common Symptoms And How To Prevent It
What are the signs?
Thick dark hairs on your chin or under your nose may be not just a cosmetic problem but also a sign of PCOS. Along with the face, it often causes excess growth of hair in other parts of the body: chest, back, arms, and abdomen.
Gaining weight is the second warning sign of this syndrome. Many patients with PCOS find it difficult to keep their weight under control because of the hormonal imbalance.
READ ALSO: How To Recognize Blood Clots In Different Parts Of The Body: 6 Groups Of Symptoms
Mood changes are the third common sign of the disease. People with PCOS often have to deal with severe headaches, mood swings, and depression.
If you noticed any of these symptoms, it would be better not to ignore them and go to your doctor. In addition to that, you may consider changing your lifestyle a bit. According to Mayo Clinic, you may noticeably improve your condition by losing at least 5% of your weight. Just remember to always consult your physician first.
READ ALSO: 5 Early Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer And What Can Be Done To Prevent It
This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.