Are These PCOS Symptoms or Something Else?

Question

For the past few months, my body has been acting really weird, and I don’t know if it’s normal or something serious. My periods have become so irregular—sometimes they don’t come for two months, then when they do, they last way longer than before. It’s not just that, though. My skin has gotten so oily, and I’m breaking out like crazy, especially around my jawline. I read somewhere that these could be PCOS symptoms, but I’m not sure.

Another thing—I’ve gained weight even though my diet hasn’t changed much. No matter how much I try to eat healthy or exercise, the weight just won’t budge. It’s mostly around my belly, which I heard is common with PCOS symptoms. My hair is thinning too, especially near my scalp, but at the same time, I’ve noticed more hair on my face. It’s honestly so frustrating.

I feel tired all the time, like no matter how much I sleep, I just don’t have energy. Plus, my sugar cravings are out of control. Could all this really be PCOS symptoms? Or could it be something else, like a thyroid issue? I haven’t gotten any tests done yet because I don’t know which ones are necessary.

If it is PCOS, what should I do next? Are there natural ways to balance hormones? Do I have to take medication, or can lifestyle changes help? I’ve read that cutting out dairy and sugar can improve PCOS symptoms—is that true? Also, what kind of doctor should I see first—a gynecologist or an endocrinologist?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Your symptoms—irregular periods, jawline acne, weight gain (especially belly fat), hair thinning, facial hair, fatigue, and sugar cravings—are classic signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, thyroid issues or insulin resistance could also cause some of these symptoms.

What to Do Next:
See a Gynecologist First: They can perform initial evaluations like pelvic ultrasounds and hormone tests. If needed, they may refer you to an endocrinologist.
Key Tests:
Hormone panel (testosterone, DHEA, LH, FSH, and estrogen)
Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3/T4)
Insulin resistance or fasting glucose levels
Management Options:
Lifestyle Changes: Cutting back on sugar, processed foods, and dairy may help balance hormones and improve symptoms.
Exercise: Aim for regular moderate activity to manage weight and insulin resistance.
Herbs/Supplements: Spearmint tea may help lower androgens, and inositol supplements are often used for PCOS.
Medical Options: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe medications like birth control pills or metformin.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

From an Ayurvedic perspective, the symptoms you’re describing—irregular periods, weight gain, oily skin, acne, hair thinning, and fatigue—can indeed be linked to an imbalance in the body's doshas, particularly Pitta and Vata. These imbalances can affect the hormonal system and digestion, which are central to conditions like PCOS. Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance through diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. Managing stress, improving digestion, and balancing blood sugar are key. You might benefit from herbs like Ashwagandha for energy, Shatavari to support hormonal balance, and Triphala for detoxification. Reducing intake of processed foods, sugar, and dairy can help, as it may lower inflammation and hormonal imbalances. While Ayurvedic remedies can support your health, it's important to consult with an experienced gynecologist or an endocrinologist for proper testing and diagnosis. Blood tests and an ultrasound may be necessary to confirm PCOS or rule out other conditions like thyroid issues.

Are These PCOS Symptoms or Something Else? - #14565

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