Attention Ladies! This article might be your answer to all the questions that you fear to ask the doctor. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the famous PCOS the root cause of all problems, is a disorder that women face which is caused by the imbalance of reproductive hormones. Women might find it difficult to even form a question regarding a few symptoms or after-effects of PCOS. But we got you! 

Let’s at least know the answers to the top-most 6 embarrassing questions!

Q1. Why do I have a low sex drive?

One of the most common problems faced by women with PCOS is having a low sex drive. PCOS mainly affects the hormones in the body. With the production of excess androgens, the sex drive can decrease.  If you think PCOS is messing with your libido and sexual satisfaction, you’re not alone! Infrequent periods, hirsutism, acne, and weight gain are some of the tell-tale signs of PCOS. The physical and mental changes caused by high testosterone levels can mess with a woman’s sex life.

PCOS can be combated naturally with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Keynote to remember, to all the ladies out there, you are beautiful inside and out.

Q2. Do my breasts and nipples hurt a lot? What is the reason for that?

Breast and nipple pain is one of the major indicators of PCOS. The main reason behind the pain in breasts or nipples is the imbalance of hormones during PCOS. Hence, women with PCOS are at increased risk of water retention and breast tenderness. Below mentioned are a few of the steps that might help you during those days:

• Applying ice or heat may also relieve the pain.
• Caffeine should be avoided, as it can cause discomfort.
• Wear a period bra that won’t squish your swollen breasts.
• Salt contributes to water retention and swelling in the breasts. Hence reduce the salt intake.
• Stress makes the pain feel worse. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and try yoga or meditation.

If the pain becomes worse, do take advice from the doctor !

Q3. Why do I have a fatty liver?

Fatty liver, or Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is highly prevalent in women with PCOS. Factors that contribute to fatty liver in women with PCOS:

• Excess abdominal weight, 
• High triglycerides, 
• High LDL cholesterol level, 
• Low HDL cholesterol level, 
• High consumption of fat, sugar, and refined foods, 
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Genetics 

The role of the liver is to serve as the detox organ for the body filtering out harmful substances, it is not for storing fat. Fatty liver increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

A properly balanced diet, consumption of fish oil, losing and maintaining weight, and regular physical exercise can help combat women against fatty liver. A checkup with a doctor for further advice might be valuable as well.

Q4. I notice an increase in my facial hair. What is the reason behind it?

Women have fine, light-colored, and barely noticeable thin hairs, called vellus hairs, in the upper lip region, on the chin, chest, abdomen, or back. During puberty, coarse, visible, dark hairs in place of vellus hairs might grow. These might be referred to as terminal or androgenic hairs and the condition might be called hirsutism. This occurs due to the increase in male hormones or androgens in the body. 

Although you can still get help from the tips mentioned below:

• Hair removal treatment such as electrolysis might be useful but it has risks including swelling, scarring, and redness of the skin
• Laser hair reduction can also be effective 
• Shaving, plucking, and waxing can also be termed as treatments for hirsutism.
• For overweight women, weight loss may help reduce excess hair growth.

Q5. My neck and thighs are dark in color. Why is that?

Darkening of the skin is no stranger to women with PCOS. This is known as Acanthosis Nigricans which can be visible in people who are overweight and those with pre-diabetes or diabetes type 2. In women with PCOS, the darkening of the skin is the result of high androgen levels. This is more common in obese hyper-androgenic women and can be a sign of abnormal glucose tolerance in women. 

Discolored skin patches can be found in:

• Armpits
• Groin
• Neck 
• Vulva 
• Elbows 
• Knees 
• Knuckles
• Lips
• Palms and soles of the feet

In some cases, medications for PCOS like birth control pills, thyroid medication and growth hormones can also cause Acanthosis Nigricans. The skin patches might disappear with the treatment of insulin resistance, losing weight, and change in PCOS medication.  Natural ways can be a great help in this like regular exercise, exfoliation of the skin, losing weight, and a healthy diet.

Q6. I have a heavy flow of white discharge. Is it normal?

White discharge is very common in women and can occur throughout your menstrual cycle. The discharge is known as leukorrhea. It may start with thin consistency in the days leading up to ovulation. During ovulation, the discharge or mucus may become very thick. Women with PCOS might seldom experience a heavy flow of white discharge. This is solely due to the imbalance in hormones caused in the body by the PCOS condition. Higher levels of male hormones, tend to change the amount of texture of cervical fluid. 

One should find a doctor if –

• Vaginal discharge is yellow, green, gray in color, or foul-smelling
• Itching or burning near the genitals
• Discomfort or pain when urinating 
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse 

A healthy step to follow:

                                    

As the questions were answered, we could see that the treatments or alternatives for any case, had side effects and could cause further problems. If you are suffering from PCOS one such healthy Ayurveda-inspired drink is andMe PCOS PCOD Drink. 

This drink is beneficial in keeping the bodily hormones in a balanced way. It also helps in regularizing periods plus providing 30% of daily nutrition to the body. This drink is also effective in managing weight gain and boosting energy levels. It also reduces acne and hirsutism. 1 cup a day keeps PCOS symptoms at bay.