PCOS: The Hormone Disorder Every Teen Girl Should Know About

Understanding the signs, symptoms, and treatments teens should know

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Hair shows up in places you didn’t ask for. Your skin won’t clear. Periods are out of sync. What gives? When your body doesn’t follow the rules, it's not always your fault. According to Children's Health, around one in 10 teen girls has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).PCOS is a common hormone disorder affecting many teen girls worldwide. While there tend to be more adults than teens with this disorder, many start to show symptoms in the high school years. PCOS isn’t something teens should brush off and try to handle on their own. Managing symptoms early can help reduce the risk of long-term complications while helping them feel more in control of their own bodies. This article will break down what PCOS is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. 

Understanding PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common disorder involving an imbalance of hormones during the reproductive years. Around 1 out of 10 teenage girls will be diagnosed with this disorder. This happens when the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of hormones called androgens. Girls and women can start having symptoms anytime after puberty. While not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries, small fluid-filled cysts may be visible on the ovaries due to a lack of ovulation.

Irregular periods are common with PCOS. The imbalance of hormones causes the menstrual cycle to be all over the place, and sometimes periods may disappear completely. 

70% of women with PCOS also have excess or unwanted hair growth. Arms, chest, and abdomen are the most common places for this extra hair to appear. Acne is common in all teenagers; however, acne along the back, chest, and face is prevalent in those with PCOS. PCOS affects self-esteem and confidence, too, not just physical health.

Signs and Symptoms of PCOS

Not every girl with PCOS has the same symptoms, but there are a few common ones to look out for. 

Periods

Cycles can be irregular and unpredictable. Some girls may have late periods or go months without one. Heavy bleeding is also relatively common.

Abnormal hair growth

Extra hair growth on the chest, arms, face, and stomach is a common sign of PCOS. This is called hirsutism. This is caused by the higher androgen levels, which are sometimes called male hormones, that stimulate hair growth. Hirsutism affects 70% of people with PCOS. 

Acne

PCOS can cause acne, especially on the face, back, and chest. This is a stubborn type of acne that may continue past the teenage years. 

Obesity

Between 40%-80% of people with PCOS have problems with obesity and maintaining a healthy weight. This is because of insulin resistance, which is where the cells do not respond well to insulin. This can cause the body to store more fat, leading to weight gain.

Cysts

Many people with PCOS have multiple cysts on their ovaries, which is also known as polycystic ovaries. This is because of the hormonal imbalances that disrupt ovulation, leading to cysts appearing on the ovaries. However, while common, not all women diagnosed with PCOS have polycystic ovaries. 

Other signs

Dark skin patches on the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts are another common sign of PCOS. Mood swings and low energy can also affect those with this hormone disorder. 

These are just a few common signs of PCOS, but there are many more. If you are noticing any of these, doctors can run tests to determine if PCOS is the cause. 

How Doctors Diagnose PCOS

Doctors cannot diagnose PCOS with only one symptom. They use a combination of the symptoms, your medical history, and diagnostic tests to find out if PCOS is the culprit. At the doctor's office, often a gynecologist, they’ll ask questions to get your medical background. They may ask about your periods, family history, and lifestyle to get the full picture to create a more accurate diagnosis. 

Another common part of this visit will be a physical exam. The doctor will look for extra hair growth, acne, and dark skin patches. They’ll also check your height and weight and see if your body weight is healthy for your height. 

If PCOS is suggested, bloodwork and an ultrasound will most likely be needed. The blood panel will gather androgens, insulin, and other hormone levels to make sure there is no imbalance. The ultrasound will check the ovaries and make sure they are within a normal size and that there are no visible cysts, even though cysts are not required to diagnose PCOS. 

After gathering all this information, doctors will look at a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and the ultrasound images to determine if it indicates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Once PCOS is diagnosed, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve overall health.  

Managing PCOS: How Teens Can Take Control

There is no official “cure” for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and stay healthy. Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms in a non-invasive way. Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy body weight can have a positive effect on insulin levels. Exercising regularly can help maintain a normal body weight. 

Hormonal birth control is one of the most common treatments for PCOS. Options include the pill, patch, shot, vaginal ring, or IUD, which can help control symptoms. They release hormones into the body to help regulate the menstrual cycle and possibly improve acne and excessive hair growth. 

Metformin is a drug that is commonly used to treat diabetes. It helps the body process insulin and prevent resistance. Once insulin levels are under control, some women with PCOS may see improvements in their menstrual cycles. Other medications, like spironolactone, can block androgens to help control acne and excess hair growth.

Aside from the treatments used for the physical aspect of PCOS, counseling may also be beneficial to help with the mental aspect. Many teens find support groups or a counselor very helpful to take control over their mood swings, stress, and self-esteem. 

Regular check-ups help make sure treatments are working and allow adjustments if needed. These regular appointments also prevent long-term complications such as diabetes or heart issues. With the right plan, teens with PCOS can live healthy and normal lives.  

Take Control of Your Health

PCOS is common and manageable, and knowing the signs early can help you take control of your health. While it might feel overwhelming at first, understanding and tracking your symptoms makes it feel more manageable. Having regular checkups with a doctor, asking questions, and having a treatment plan helps you stay on top of your health. Lifestyle changes and managing stress can also create a huge difference in how you feel day to day. Emotional support is important too. Talking to a counselor, trusted adult, or even just a friend can help with mood swings, confidence, and self-esteem. Understanding PCOS is the first step in taking care of your body and your health.