10 Early Signs of PCOS in Teenagers and How to Manage Them

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive, metabolic, and complex series of disorders that can affect the overall wellness of women. This condition is becoming increasingly rampant for a variety of reasons. However, one major hindrance to controlling the effects of PCOS, even in teenagers, is early detection.

In this article, we’ve outlined 10 early signs of PCOS in teenagers and what you can do to manage them. Early detection is essential to control the long-term effects of this condition which includes fertility issues.

Understanding PCOS in Teenagers

PCOS is a complex disorder mainly characterized by hormonal imbalance and high levels of testosterone. This condition, although not deadly, is a risk factor for some severe health conditions. These conditions are hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorder, etc. Generally, PCOS can occur in 2 different ways;

• Excessive production of androgens, having cysts in the ovaries, and absence of ovulation
• Hypersecretion of androgen and cysts in the ovaries

However, some women experience all three symptoms which stem from a malfunction in the pituitary gland secretion, insulin resistance, and oogenesis.

Furthermore, eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, and continuous dieting can lead to PCOS in adolescents. This is because eating disorders can cause epigenetic dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby impacting oogenesis. In other words, a dysfunction of the HPG axis affects egg production and maturation. Also, stress is one of the main related risk factors for PCOS, which can then lead to overeating, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Signs of PCOS in Teenagers

The manifestations of PCOS usually arise in childhood and then evolve into adolescence and reproductive age. Thus, here are some common signs of PCOS in teenage girls;

• Obesity
• Persistent or severe acne
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Anxiety, mood swings and depression
• Sleep problems
• Pelvic pain/discomfort
• Constant fatigue or low energy
• Darker patches of skin
• Skin tags on the armpit
• Undiagnosed state of prediabetes

The signs of PCOS in teenagers are similar to those experienced by adult females. However, the main difference is that these signs are subtle in adolescents and can manifest into full-blown PCOS if unmanaged. Therefore, the priority should be eliminating disorders that mimic PCOS and regular check-ups for teenagers to detect the possibility of long-term complications.

How to Manage PCOS in Teenagers

PCOS is more complex than it seems as it involves several factors. Adolescent patients are already under peer pressure and mental stress and might experience varying levels of mood swings. Hence, it can be particularly challenging to handle such cases as PCOS can affect body image and self-confidence. The following tips will help manage PCOS in teenagers;

• Lifestyle changes: This includes healthy eating and getting regular exercise, especially for teenagers struggling with obesity. Cleaning up the diet alone can go a long way in restoring ovulation in your child. Also, encourage your daughter to participate in sports she enjoys with variety to avoid it becoming boring.
• Get a Myo-Inositol Supplement: If your daughter is 18 years and above, you can get NATURE’SFIELD MYO-INOSITOL AND D-CHIRO INOSITOL to restore normal ovarian function and balance her hormones. This is an early intervention to prevent progression which can affect fertility and overall reproductive health.
• Emotional support: Many teenagers with PCOS have to cope with emotions and frustrations. Therefore, being stress-free is a critical aspect of treating this disorder. Communicating openly with friends and family can give your child strength and a sense of support in dealing with the psychological and emotional aspects of PCOS.

PCOS is called a syndrome because it is associated with many symptoms which can occur at the same time. Therefore, management of these symptoms and long-term complications in teenagers is essential. You can start with the diet and adopt other lifestyle modifications gradually to get the desired results. Fortunately, one of the most effective treatment methods for PCOS in addition to lifestyle modification is using NATURE’SFIELD MYO-INOSITOL AND D-CHIRO INOSITOL. This supplement improves ovulation and restores hormonal harmony while maintaining reproductive health.