Do Irregular Periods Mean You Have PCOS I PCOS Symptoms

Introduction 

Menstruation is one of the important indicators of reproductive health, evaluated by both the patterns and symptoms of the menstrual cycle (Park et al. 2021). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common health condition affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by hormonal imbalances that significantly impacts reproduction, metabolism, and mental health. Recent statistics indicate that PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, positioning it as one of the most common endocrine disorders.  

Although irregular periods are a hallmark sign of PCOS, they alone do not confirm its presence. At Golden Gate Fertility Centre, the healthcare professionals specialize in diagnosing and managing PCOS, offering tailored solutions to balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, and enhance reproductive health.  

PCOS Signs and Symptoms 

PCOS symptoms arise from abnormalities in the hormonal landscape of the body, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) which are typically low in women. Here are the most common PCOS symptoms: 

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Fewer than eight periods a year. 

Heavy Bleeding: The uterine lining builds up for a longer period, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal. 

Hair Growth: Excessive male-pattern hair growth in women is known as hirsutism. More than 70% of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest. However East Asian women usually have less hirsutism than counterpart Caucasian. interestingly, the irregular menses and polycystic ovaries are relatively common presentation in East Asian patients but not in Caucasian patients. 

Acne: Hormonal changes can lead to acne breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back. In many cases, they also have oily skin.  

Weight Gain: Often around the belly, PCOS can make losing weight a challenge. 

Thinning Hair: Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out. This is known as male pattern balding, which can be a symptom.  

Darkening of the Skin: Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts. 

Headaches: Hormonal changes can trigger headaches in some women. 

These symptoms vary significantly from one woman to another and not all women with PCOS will have irregular periods or visible symptoms like excess hair growth or acne. 

PCOS and Insulin Resistance: Are they related? 

A significant component of PCOS is the role of insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their cells do not respond normally to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar from foods for energy. When cells don’t respond normally to insulin, insulin levels can rise, and high insulin levels can increase the production of androgens, exacerbating symptoms like hair growth and menstrual irregularities (Lauretta et al. 2016). 

Acupuncture treatments, such as Electroacupuncture (EA), can help improve issues related to skeletal muscle health caused by exposure to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This improvement leads to alleviating the insulin resistance (IR), leading to better mitochondrial function. Additionally, certain herbal formulas can activate specific signalling pathways, like PI3K/Akt, which in turn can boost insulin sensitivity. This positive effect also impacts factors such as IRS-1 and GLUT4 (Chen et al. 2021; Ye et al. 2022). 

Common Causes of Irregular Periods 

While PCOS is a prominent cause of irregular periods, several other factors can disrupt the menstrual cycle: 

Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause menstrual irregularities. Thus, checking thyroid hormones such TSH and free T4 are essential.  

Elevated Prolactin Levels: Known as hyperprolactinemia, this condition can disrupt the menstrual cycle. 

Extreme Weight Fluctuations: Being significantly overweight or underweight can cause hormonal imbalances that affect menstruation. 

Stress: High levels of stress hormones can interrupt the secretion of the hormones required for ovulation. 

Premature Ovarian Failure: Also known as premature menopause, which occurs when the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. 

Identifying the underlying cause of irregular periods often involves a careful review of symptoms, medical history, and might include various diagnostic tests. 

Golden Gate Fertility Centre’s Approach to PCOS 

Golden Gate Fertility Centre stands at the forefront of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern healthcare practices to provide a comprehensive approach to PCOS treatment. By combining advanced diagnostics and technology with traditional healing methods, Golden Gate Fertility Centre offers a unique and effective approach to PCOS treatment. Testimonials from satisfied patients demonstrate the success of this integrated approach, highlighting the transformative impact of women’s lives.