ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - An estimated 5 million women in the U.S. are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

September is recognized as PCOS Awareness Month. The condition often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated.

It’s a leading cause of female infertility and is responsible for several symptoms that can affect the body physically and emotionally.

Despite the name, many people do not have cysts on their ovaries. In 2013, an independent panel of experts recommended to the National Institutes of Health that the name be changed because the name is confusing and hinders patient care and research efforts.

“Track your menstrual cycle. So, if you miss a month, you should let your healthcare provider know about this. It might not necessarily be from stress, but make sure you advocate for yourself, track your menstrual cycles, speak up, look for second opinions from your healthcare providers,” said Dr. Ugechi Aguwa, Family Medicine Physician at Phoebe Health System.

Losing as little as 5% excess weight can help women ovulate more regularly and lessen other PCOS symptoms by eating healthier and exercising.

Usually, a diagnosis of PCOS can be made when you experience two of these three signs:

Irregular periods. People with PCOS typically have irregular or missed periods as a result of not ovulating. Infrequent periods are a common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year with more than 35 days between periods. Other women suffer from abnormally heavy periods.

Polycystic ovaries. Although some people may develop cysts on their ovaries, many people do not. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.

Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormone may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with weight loss, may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Other symptoms include:

• Weight gain. About half of people with PCOS will have weight gain and obesity that is difficult to manage.
• Fatigue. Many people with PCOS report increased fatigue and low energy. Related issues, such as poor sleep, may contribute to the feeling of fatigue.
• Unwanted hair growth (also known as hirsutism). Areas affected by excess hair growth may include the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen. Hirsutism related to PCOS is due to hormonal changes in androgens.
• Thinning hair on the head. Hair loss related to PCOS may increase in middle age. 
• Infertility. PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility. However, not every woman with PCOS is the same. Although some people may need the assistance of fertility treatments, others are able to conceive naturally. 
• Acne. Hormonal changes related to androgens can lead to acne problems. Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back. 
• Darkening of skin. You may see thick, dark, velvety patches of skin under your arms or breasts, or on the back of your neck.
• Mood changes. Having PCOS can increase the likelihood of mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
• Pelvic pain. Pelvic pain may occur with periods, along with heavy bleeding. It may also occur when a woman isn’t bleeding.
• Headaches. Hormonal changes prompt headaches.
• Sleep problems. People with PCOS often report problems such as insomnia or poor sleep. Many factors can affect sleep, but PCOS has been linked to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, a person will stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This means that even when you do sleep, you do not feel well-rested after you wake up. You could also have trouble falling asleep.
• Depression. Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety.

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