8 Noticeable PCOS Hormone Imbalance Changes With Symptoms!

Being a complex endocrine disorder, the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) characterised by significant hormonal imbalances that affect women of reproductive age. These imbalances involve elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), insulin resistance, and disruptions in estrogen and progesterone ratios. These PCOS hormonal changes lead to a variety of symptoms, including consistent irregular or absent menstrual periods, severe acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), weight gain, and thinning hair or male-pattern baldness.

Thus, let’s understand the major PCOS hormonal imbalance changes with symptoms for diagnosing and effectively managing this condition.

Table Of Contents

1. Hormonal Changes In PCOS With Symptoms

2. Expert’s Advice 

3. The Final Say

4. FAQs

5. References

Hormonal Changes In PCOS With Symptoms

Let’s discuss and understand the PCOS hormone imbalance changes with symptoms for better understanding:

1. Insulin Resistance

In PCOS, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a concern widely called as insulin resistance. As a result, the pancreas produces more than usual insulin for normal blood sugar levels, leading to elevated insulin levels. This excess insulin allows the ovaries to produce more androgens, such as testosterone, causing a hormone imbalance that exacerbates PCOS symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Weight gain: This is especially noticeable around the abdomen due to the body's inability to properly use insulin.

• Acanthosis nigricans: Dark, velvety patches of skin that typically appear in body folds and creases.

• Increased type 2 level diabetes risk: Due to persistent high blood sugar levels.

2. Androgens

In PCOS, elevated levels of male hormones, or androgens, disrupt the delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone. Androgens, which include testosterone, are naturally present in women in small amounts, but excessive levels can lead to significant changes in physical appearance and reproductive health.

Symptoms:

• Acne: Persistent and severe acne, often resistant to standard treatments.

• Hirsutism: Excessive facial hair growth and also on the chest and back, following a male pattern distribution.

• Male-pattern baldness: Thinning hair or hair loss at the crown and temples, similar to male baldness patterns.

Also Read: What Is Lean PCOS? Know Its Symptoms, Causes And Treatment!

3. Estrogen

In PCOS, estrogen levels may be within normal ranges or even elevated, but the ratio to progesterone is often imbalanced. This disrupted ratio prevents regular ovulation, leading to anovulation and irregular menstrual cycles. Estrogen dominance, where estrogen effects predominate over progesterone, can further complicate the condition.

Symptoms:

• Weight gain: Particularly near to hips and thighs, linked to high estrogen levels.

• Mood swings: Emotional instability, including depression and anxiety.

• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods: Due to the thickening of the endometrial lining in the absence of regular progesterone.

4. Progesterone

Progesterone levels in PCOS are typically low due to the lack of regular ovulation. This deficiency exacerbates estrogen dominance, further disrupting menstrual cycles and contributing to various symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods: Resulting from the lack of ovulatory cycles.

• Heavy menstrual bleeding: Due to the unopposed action of estrogen on the endometrial lining.

• PMS symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings, often more severe due to the hormonal imbalance.

Also Read: Is PCOS Associated With Overweight? Myth Or Reality!

5. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Women with PCOS often exhibit elevated levels of LH relative to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormonal imbalance can impair ovarian function, leading to the development of multiple small ovarian cysts and further disrupting normal menstrual cycles.

Symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Due to disrupted follicular development and ovulation.

• Anovulation: The absence of ovulation, which can lead to infertility.

• Potential for ovarian cyst formation: Multiple small cysts on the ovaries, visible on ultrasound.

6. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Dysregulation of hypothalamic GnRH secretion affects the pulsatile release of LH hormone and FSH from the pituitary gland. This disruption leads to irregularities in the menstrual cycle and anovulation, which are hallmark features of PCOS.

Symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding: Due to erratic hormone levels affecting the menstrual cycle.

• Anovulation: This leads to infertility and irregular periods.

Also Read: Is It Possible To Achieve Weight Loss on PCOS?

7. Cortisol

Chronic stress can elevate cortisol production, which contributes to insulin resistance, a key feature of PCOS. High cortisol levels further exacerbate PCOS symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance and stress-related symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Weight gain: Particularly in the abdominal area.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

• Anxiety and depression: Mood disorders exacerbated by chronic stress and hormonal imbalances.

• Increased insulin resistance chances plus type 2 diabetes: Due to the combined effects of high cortisol and insulin resistance.

8. Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is frequently observed in women with PCOS. This adds another layer of hormonal imbalance, complicating the clinical picture and contributing to the overall symptom burden.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness, even after adequate rest.

• Weight gain: Difficulty losing body weight despite proper diet and exercise efforts.

• Irregular menstrual periods: Similar to PCOS symptoms, including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Also Read: The Best Diet Plan For Weight Loss In PCOS To Upgrade Your Physical Health

Expert’s Advice 

As a dietitian, I recommend following a trying the toneOp PCOS plan for a healthy diet to manage the PCOS hormone imbalance:

• Emphasise whole foods: fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.

• To improve insulin sensitivity, limit refined carbs and sugars.

• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, fatty fish, and seeds.

• Balance meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Health Expert
Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Overall, understanding the interactions between these PCOS hormone imbalance management is essential. Although the root cause of PCOS is hormone deficiency, its consequences vary from person to person. A personalised approach that addresses specific hormonal and underlying metabolic conditions is essential for optimal treatment.

By uncovering the complexity of these major PCOS hormone imbalances, we can pave the way for targeted interventions that will improve symptoms and improve the quality of life of women with this disease.

FAQs

1. What is the relationship between hormonal imbalance and PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is primarily characterised by a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones). This PCOS hormone imbalance disrupts the regular function of female hormones, leading to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and hirsutism (excess hair growth).

2. What are the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in PCOS?

Symptoms of PCOS hormone imbalance include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual period phase

• Excess facial hair growth and also on the body (hirsutism)

• Severe acne

• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen

• Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness

• Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)

• Mood swings and fatigue

3. What treatments are available for hormone imbalance in PCOS?

Treatments for the PCOS hormone imbalance typically include:

• Lifestyle changes: Diet and exercise to help manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Recommended Medications: Birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles, anti-androgens to reduce symptoms like acne and hirsutism, and metformin to improve insulin resistance.

• Various fertility treatments: For women trying to conceive, medications like clomiphene or letrozole can stimulate ovulation.

• Other interventions: Stress management techniques and, in some cases, surgery to remove ovarian cysts.

References

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos#:~:text=Key%20points,%2C%20infertility%2C%20and%20weight%20gain.

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance

• https://blog.mission-health.org/2019/04/04/hormonal-imbalances-and-the-impact-of-pcos/ 

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