PCOS can be a complex condition to identify because there are numerous symptoms, and you don’t have to have all of them to be diagnosed with PCOS. Very few women have the same set of symptoms, and the symptoms can change at different stages of your life.

The symptoms differ widely between women, but the three main areas they affect are:
fertility and reproductive health
metabolic health
psychological health.

There is currently no cure for PCOS, but it is treatable. We know that lifestyle is a huge factor when it comes to managing symptoms of PCOS, and with the right supports, there are many ways to manage your lifestyle and improve your symptoms.

So, when should you talk to your doctor about whether you might have PCOS? Here are a few times you might want to consider it.

My Cycles Are Irregular
This is one of the hallmark criteria of PCOS, but I’ve seen plenty of women in my practice who have been diagnosed with PCOS without having irregular cycles. If you experience this constantly, it’s definitely time to bring it up to your doctor.

I Get A Lot Of Yeast Infections
One of the ways your metabolism can be affected in PCOS is by changing your blood sugars. One of the first things I look for in women who come into my office with a history of chronic yeast infections (and we’re talking like every month) is other diagnostic criteria of PCOS. This isn’t diagnostic, but it’s a huge hint that something isn’t right with your blood sugars.

I Find It Hard To Lose Weight
PCOS can impact your metabolism in more ways than one. And this is a critical conversation to have. Usually, women with PCOS have tried just about every “healthy” diet out there and are also usually working out but with no changes. If this sounds like you, getting your medical provider to help you look for other diagnostic criteria of PCOS is a must.

I Have Really Bad Acne
Breakouts with PCOS can be really specific, as it’s tied to an excess amount of testosterone circulating. The testosterone is then excreted through your sweat glands, which results in, you guessed it, some pretty serious acne. When I mention it in my office I usually equate it to that “teenage boy acne”, because so many of us understand that way of describing it! Acne associated with PCOS tends to be cystic, deep and painful; and can be found on the back, shoulder blades, chest, neck and face.

My Sweat Smells Weird
On the same lines of acne, testosterone can be an annoyance when it comes to sweat. And I’m not talking about sweating a lot, I’m talking about your sweat smelling different… almost stronger. It’s an important consideration.

I Get REALLY Tired After I Eat
Oh blood sugars, you can be a b*tch. If you’re finding that you get really tired after you eat, your insulin sensitivity might be to blame. This is different than blood sugar testing (like fasting glucose or your haemoglobin A1C). In women with PCOS, we can see a stable glucose and HgA1C, but a high insulin response. This means your system has to pump out a lot of insulin to adapt to the food you just ate. That takes a LOT of work – and the end result? Exhaustion after eating.