Early Signs of PCOD Parents Should Know

There are cases where PCOS symptoms overlap with normal puberty, and that makes it hard for parents to detect if something is wrong. 

Parents are advised to take note of the changes; if they persist, get more prominent or happen together.

1. Irregular or Missed Periods

It is fairly normal that teenagers experience irregular periods when they are starting their first menstruation, that can be the case for a few years. But if the periods are constantly infrequent or there is a gap of about three months between periods and it continues that way, that is a reason to see the physician.

A girl suffering of extremely heavy or protracted bleeding also requires a doctor’s attention.

2. Ongoing Acne

Severe breakouts of acne that are not getting solved by normal remedies sometimes could be the effect of hormonal imbalance, particularly of higher testosterone levels. While acne by itself is not sufficient to diagnose PCOS, it should serve as a warning when the acne is accompanied by other hormone-related symptoms like missed periods, etc.

3. Excessive Hair on the Face or Body

In certain cases, women who are under the influence of high androgen levels may develop facial and body hair. Facial hair is often seen on the lip, chin, and chest area; body hair is observed on the shoulders, thighs, back area, and abdomen.

The appearance of a large quantity of hair in an unusual area on the face or body, especially in association with menstrual irregularities, is worth getting a doctor’s opinion.

4. Weight Gain or Loss

Gaining weight or weight loss is very common among girls who have PCOS, especially those with insulin resistance. But it’s also very common for girls with PCOS who are slim to have these symptoms.

Parents should understand that change in weight alone is not a way of diagnosis and that it is not good if they start their child on a restrictive diet without professional consultation ‍‍‍first.

5. Darkened Patches of Skin

The occurrence of dark, rough areas of skin around the neck, underarms, or groin could mean acanthosis nigricans, a skin disorder characterized by insulin resistance. While dark patches do not indicate PCOS, but they increase the possibility of the condition and hence need more examination.

6. Mood Changes

Some teenage girls affected by PCOS might become anxious, suffer from low mood, and be conscious of body image.

Hence, the parent is supposed to support by giving non-judgmental attention and getting professional help in case of continued emotional issues.

When Should Parents Consult a Doctor?

Parents need not wait till the symptoms multiply before visiting a gynecologist. Going to a medical consultation is reasonable whenever the menstrual cycle changes or another symptom lasts, is really severe, or you feel uneasy about it.

Please note that you can arrange a visit if your teenage ‍‍‍girl:

• Has‍‍‍ had no menstruation for 3 months or longer after her first menstrual period.
• Having infrequent periods all the time or having very heavy, prolonged bleeding.
• Taking a lot of medication for acne treatment. Or getting very noticeable body or facial hair.
• Appearance of dark, velvety skin patches especially at body junctions.

Giving symptoms which are a serious hindrance in her daily life, confidence, and emotional well-being. Heavy bleeding going on with loss of consciousness, fainting episodes or extreme weakness are signs that a doctor needs to be contacted. A sudden and fast growth of coarse facial hair, a lowering of voice, or the other major signs of change brought about by hormones also require medical evaluation as soon as possible.

The physician might refer to a gynaecologist, a paediatric endocrinologist, or any other suitable specialist according to the symptoms and the age of the teenage ‍‍‍girl.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing the early signs of PCOD in teenage girls helps parents to get medical assistance timely before symptoms begin affecting their daughters physically or emotionally. Irregular menstrual cycle, persistent acne, excessive facial hair, and changes in skin condition need to be watched when they continue or appear together at the same time. Nevertheless, such signs cannot be used to rule out PCOS because changes caused by puberty and other health problems can look the same. Medical advice may help parents find out what the cause is and what treatment is appropriate.

In case you are looking for the best gynecology hospital in Hisar, Sarvesh Health City can be the perfect place to start your quest for finding specialist gynecological care and guidance that meets your daughter’s individual requirements.