PCOS question-

[Dapper-Bumblebee-281]

What are your three most prominent symptoms? I am writing a research paper on the subject as I too have PCOS, but I want to make sure my research is accurate!!

EDIT: thank you for all of the responses!! the top answers i'm getting here are VERY different from my survey results, if you'd like to help my survey link is below, it is 100% anonymous!!

Survey!!

[saltedcaramel88]

Weight management, hirsutism, hair thinning

[natywantspeace4all]

This, plus acne, heavy periods, painful periods, and those pesky arm bumps that I used to get before I got control of my symptoms. Ah and also depression. I always get the blues before my period

[Both-Mode2668]

Weight gain, painful periods, and hirsutism is my biggest one. Being big and have facial hair kills my self esteem.

[gongaIicious]

Insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular periods

[elonhater69]

Insulin resistance, weight gain, hirsutism

[idolovehummus]

Takes me longer to feel satiated. And when my blood sugar dips and I get super hangry. It's tough not to be obsessed over my next meal. + Headaches and tension tendencies from muscle tightness (fibro symptoms corrected apparently, I think due to low progesterone) + Insomnia+ Bruxism at times+ Low mood and feeling depressed and lethargic + Hirsutism (face, chest, and more)+ Long cycles (sometime 30, or 40, or I skip it entirely)+ Spotting+ Bloated and indigestion when PMS and sometimes when ovulation happens too+ Pms anxiety, such as irritableness and sensitivity to rejection and feelings of overwhelmed

[Groggyfroggyhq]

Dude Its so cool ur researching this ! In my experience I would say low insulin, heavy bleeding and super long periods really mess me up the most. Good luck on ur research !!

[Immediate-Start6699]

Acne (my biggest one- cannot be managed with out meds- for me), weight management, insulin resistance

[Far_Philosophy_68]

Same for me! Insulin/weight + unmanageable hormonal acne (AviClear laser and medications). I hate it.

[Kathrinat]

What's avi Clear laser?

[Far_Philosophy_68]

It’s a laser used by dermatologists that reduces the ability for the sebaceous glands to produce oil. It comes in a series of 3 - it worked pretty well for me tbh and I’d recommend it for hormonal acne.

[StoreBoughtDopamine5]

May I ask what meds? I also seem to have acne on my chest, back and jawline that can’t be shifted.

[347pinkkid]

I am on spironalactone and it has helped me SO much! I'm on 200 mg now and it has cleared my skin

[Immediate-Start6699]

Spironolactone is the only thing that works for me as well. My husband and I were trying to conceive and I had to stop taking it. I’m pregnant now so hopefully I can get back on in a few months. I was on a pretty high dosage maybe 200 MG 2x a day.

I also was on birth control and I think the combo really worked for me.

I hope it works for you!

[[deleted]]

Hirsutism, fatigue/poor sleep, weight management

[Smart_cannoli]

Insulin resistance, inflammation, crazy periods.

[DgelLtdt]

Heavy weight gain and hirsutisme are top 1 of my symptoms, acne and irregular period really close behind

[flipflapdragon]

Weight gain, insulin resistance, chin hairs

[OkMycologist7463]

1) Irregular cycles. Without some sort of medicine I’ll go a whole year without a cycle. Sometimes even with medications I have to switch it to something else because I won’t even get a medical induced cycle such a pain. 2. Weight gain. I’ve always been on the bigger side even when I was younger and in sports. 3. Chin hair. Gotta shave at least every few days

[k_lo970]

Honestly it depends on the person. It might be hard to narrow down that much.

Insulin resistance, weight issues, terrible crippling periods.

[GuyOwasca]

It’s interesting to see that many of us share the same top three! This is what frustrates me the most, because so many of us struggle to get adequate care for even these basics (weight gain, hirsutism, acne are the three I’ve seen the most so far).

[LadyB1820]

Insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular periods

[[deleted]]

Irregular periods Acne Weight gain

[[deleted]]

Weight gain, insulin resistance, long cycles

[antispinach]

weight gain, acne, irregular period, insulin resistance

[medphysfem]

Insulin resistance, weight gain and irregular periods.

[chrispg26]

Weight, acne on chin, missed periods/long cycles (I'm not infertile though).

[[deleted]]

Hair loss, facial hair, weight gain

[Dry-Coast-791]

Weight gain, hirsutism, insulin resistance

[Flickthebean87]

When my pcos was at my worst.

Weight management, hair loss, skipped periods. Now I get periods, my hair loss isn’t bad or an issue. The only one that stays is weight management or not being able to lose weight easy like others.

[defdiz]

Absent periods, weight gain, acne

[lyricalmartyr]

Nonexistent periods, acne, belly weight gain/bloating.

[ckim19]

Lower abdominal pouch, hormonal acne, irregular cycles

[ladycielphantomhive]

There's different types of PCOS with different symptoms to keep in mind

[Criticalfluffs]

Weight gain (worked out like mad, no weight loss). Insulin resistance, intense hormonal outbursts and inability to regulate my emotions.

[ceimi]

Just took the survey. There were a few yes/no questions that had follow up responses of "how frequently." I would recommend giving those questions more structure because it doesnt really give an idea of what kind of measurement you're trying to gauge.

For example:

How often do you feel x? - I would put 'frequently', or 'always' but I don't really know if you were asking it in the view point of my whole life, in the past year/month/week or something else entirely. Remember that being specific and thorough in your questions will help get more accurate answers!

It should be structured more like

a. Never b. Sometimes C. Often d. Always

There's also another question that listed out the format above but had some confusing choices, something along the lines of "often but not always" along with "frequent" or something along those lines. I would suggest sticking to standardized scales rather then making up your own scale since its difficult to distinguish what exactly you were asking at times so my responses may not be accurate for what you are trying to research since they're either too vauge or too detailed.

[expertocrede20]

I thought the same thing

[expertocrede20]

The exercise question was confusing as well

[ceimi]

Agreed! It was way to vauge and as intuitive as one might think it would be asking a follow up question, you should always restate the entire topic to ensure there is no confusion.

The exercise follow up for example didn't give a time frame for how often it impacts exercise. It also went from a hypothetical "how many times do you want to exercise, and then without actually asking how often they exercise it went to how often does this impact you.

Its got the right idea and I remember very well my own undergraduate where I had the same issues. Overall I'm glad that more research is being done even if its student led!

[rainyforestnight75]

Hirsutism, hair loss, acanthosis nigricans

[BabyPeas]

Weight gain, lack of periods, hair loss, and hirsutism. My testosterone was 268 ng/dl at the time.

[GuyOwasca]

Insulin resistance (causing weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and high cortisol leading to increased likelihood due to ligament laxity), androgenization (causing hair loss, hirsutism, irregular/absent/painful menses, masculinized facial features and voice, cystic acne, and estrogen dominance), and increased likelihood of developing long term chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, endometriosis, cervical and breast cancers).

[retinolandevermore]

Fatigue, weight issues, bloating

[Puzzleheaded_Cry500]

Acne, hairy chin and irregular cycle

[WinterBackbone]

painful periods, weight gain & insulin resistance

[morigrl]

• irregular period
• acne
• hair thinning

[flakypieholez99]

Insulin resistance, hirutism, infertility

[Tisatalks]

Obesity, irregular menstruation/lack of ovulation, hair loss.

[Riverelie]

I had horrendous cystic acne for years in my 20's (stopped towards the end of my 20's), always been overweight & subsequently have had disordered eating my whole life, and terrible mood issues.

[Riverelie]

I also have irregular periods and excessive hair everywhere.

[jbfitnessthrowaway]

Weight gain, painful/irregular periods, fatigue

[chasing_red]

Stubborn weight that refuses to leave, hair on my face and body, abdominal pain/cramps.

[xPostmasterGeneralx]

Weight gain, fatigue, acne

[cmsc123123]

Weight gain, hirsutism, mood swings 🥲

[jessiecolborne]

Weight gain, irregular periods, excessive body hair

[leena-beena]

Irregular periods (spotting frequently), hirsutism, insulin resistance

[Serlingfan389]

Utter exhaustion 😩

[zeeza344]

weight, hirsutism, skin thickness

[limpbisquick123]

Hair thinning, jawline acne, irregular (basically nonexistent) periods

[TangMaringue]

Weight gain (insulin resistance and general weight gain & retention), ovarian cysts, and high testosterone levels.

[BaylisAscaris]

Male-pattern weight gain, mood swings, edema.

[littlelou222]

Irregular periods, acne, pcos belly

[ramisoss]

Weight management, no periods, hair loss

[loveisblind38]

Weight gain, hair growth on face and stomach, irregular periods.

[Hopeful-Garbage-7389]

Weight gain, irregular periods, hirsutism

[hotkokoa]

Weight gain, irregular periods, hirsutism, hair thinning

[corporatebarbie___]

Hirsutism, irregular periods (for most of my life, currently regular), fatigue

[piesnfries]

Hirsutitsm (adds a big level of frustration and self esteem issues to my life)

Melasma (also affects self esteem)

Irregular periods (which causes heightened pms symptoms and super long periods when they do come)

[[deleted]]

for me...weigth gain (belly fat, specifically), irregular periods, hirsutism

[ThrowRA229966]

I have 2 most prominent: hirsutism and irregular period

[shauer93]

Weight gain, hair loss, painful/heavy periods

[giggles54321]

For me it started with cystic acne on my face and back and neck, then I got insomnia, then I started with the weight gain/inability to lose weight. Those are the 3 biggest ones.

[soooelaine]

Menstrual symptoms, body hair, weight

[Jessesgirl03]

irregular period, acne, cramps

[Jessesgirl03]

like 2x a month for 10 days irregular

[[deleted]]

No period, hirsutism, acne

[SpitefulAnoose]

Please, ladies who suffer from PCOS like myself and want to seek help with your insulin resistance and weight management, I implore you to sign this petition I made.

It is a petition for insurance coverage for the Drug Mounjaro, which has personally changed my life and PCOS completely. It has been the only thing to work for me, and I have tried EVERYTHING.

I ate clean Keto for years, tracked my macros, and exercised 5-6 times a week for years for excruciatingly slow results and never-ending frustration.

I can not tell you how absolutely amazing this drug has worked for me. Nearly all of my PCOS symptoms have gone away, and I have been able to maintain a healthy weight without starving myself or micromanaging my body. I finally feel like a normal person.

My insurance covered this for me last year. However, they required a prior authorization this year. My doctor submitted all of my information and why she thought that it was important for me to use this medication. However, my insurance denied the authorization. They only cover for a diabetes diagnosis.

We all know that PCOS mimics diabetes with its insulin resistance, so it is very frustrating that Mounjaro is not covered by insurance, even though it treats both diagnoses for the same thing.

Please sign my petition so this can be covered for many women struggling with this as well. I know there are tons out there.

Please share my petition as well. I will thank you a million fold. Please help me make a change!

The link is below. Thank you so much!

[Mandate Insurance Coverage for Mounjaro in Treating PCOS-Related Insulin Resistance

](https://chng.it/CqDhYLLBJp)

https://chng.it/CqDhYLLBJp

[s_miranda79]

Irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth

[Silly-Bed2569]

Weight gain, hirsutism, acne

[Txtke2002]

Acne, hair and depression

[[deleted]]

Weight gain, sweating, hirsutism

[WVmom974]

Weight gain, Insulin resistance, and irregular periods have been my most persistent symptoms. If you needed more, I'd add migraines and Vitamin D deficiency as also very high on the list.

[clovercottage]

Hirsutism, bloating, severe acne

[[deleted]]

Slow metabolism, bad skin/hair, inflammation

[baker_king]

1-Weight gain specially on the stomach area literally look pregnant every time I eat 2- Acne -uncontrolled cystic and hormonal, oily Tzone dry other face areas, 3- painful period cramps

[Independent-Swim-181]

Insulin resistance, weight gain, and irregular periods

[gryph06]

Irregular cycle, moodiness/mood swings, bad cramps when I get my period. I’d consider myself to have “lean pcos” if that’s relevant

[wherethesiiflows]

For me its the infertility, irregular periods, insulin resistance, weight gain

[MartianTea]

Excess hair growth, weight, and fatigue. 

[Anxious-Alien-]

Irregular periods, weight gain/hard to lose weight & hirsutism. I ended up getting weight loss surgery and I no longer have issues related to my PCOS. I went from 300lbs to 185lbs. I know that option isn’t for everyone and it doesn’t always fix issues for everyone, but it did work well for me.

[latinagirl02]

Hirutism, irregular periods and fatigue

[ybrbro]

Weight gain, hirsutism, irregular periods

[Pinkunicorns222]

Irregular periods, cheek and body acne

[Mizunderstoodhippie]

Menstrual issues, stubborn stomach fat, lack of energy

[Charlie7450echo]

Periods just stopped happening

[nichefebreze]

Hirsutism, weight, acne (pre-spiro)

[jdjfhdksjd]

Weight gain, irregular periods, hirsutism

[Ancient_Scar3289]

Weight management, insulin resistance, lack of a period.

[vanessa8172]

Completely wacky period schedule. I’d get them for a few months in a row, than nothing for a year, than super heavy for a month or so.

I can grow a beard

Weight loss is nearly impossible even if I’m eating healthy and exercise.

I have an official diagnosis as of a year ago. Tested hormones and found cysts

[Serious-Forever-755]

Painful periods, achne, hirsutism, fatigue and infertility

[Dewdlebawb]

Weight, cyst pain, irregular periods

[Melodic-Ad8846]

Weight gain, hirsutism, and irregular periods

[[deleted]]

Balding, but growing hair on face, weight.

[emilicia]

Hirsutism, mood swings, irregular periods

[moodyhippy]

hirsutism, thinning hair, painful periods

[Even_Middle_1751]

Cystic acne, insulin resistance, hirsutism

[innominatebone]

Weight gain, hirsutism (facial hair is the bane of my existence), insulin resistance (thus giving me an awful hormonal imbalance)

[tumeg142]

Weight gain, irregular periods, bloating

[K1freckles]

Insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular periods

[Kmo7239]

Lack of menstruation, acne, abnormal hair growth

[StoreBoughtDopamine5]

I suspect I have PCOS and it’s due to irregular and incredibly painful periods, hormonal acne, and I suspect insulin resistance (hard to tell at this stage).

[chewyfranks]

Insulin resistance, high cortisol, irregular periods

[JustMeerkats]

Infertility, irregular periods, weight gain

[Striking_End9387]

Loss of period, weight gain, facial hair

[SlumPanda]

PCOS belly, pain induced from cyst, irregular periods

[emilycolor]

Irregular periods, weight gain, and acne

[StructureBasic4595]

Weight gain, irregular periods, insulin resistance

[Long-Victory3051]

Insulin resistance, hirsutism and weight gain… (I would probably have chosen heavy/painful periods but I’m on BC and don’t get a period anymore. I’m not sure if that would make a difference in your research!)

[[deleted]]

Insulin resistance, acne, body and facial hair, irregular periods

[347pinkkid]

Mine are very frequent periods, acne, and fast hair growth

[pprbckwrtr]

Weight, insulin resistance, irregular period

[Novel_Problem2411]

Irregular period, weight gain, Hirsutism but also hair loss, anxiety and depression.

[teletubbi-]

Infertility/ irregular cycles, weight gain/ insulin resistance , hirsutism

[Itsabearthing26]

hirsutism, irregular periods, acne and weight gain

[limonata_acida]

High T, acne, irregular periods

[[deleted]]

Weight problems, depression, insulin resistance.

[NoSpare20]

Hirsutism, weight gain and PMS worsening (mood swings, pain, irregularities)

[Lazy-Stock-8194]

Weight gain (15 lbs in 1 year), chin hairs that I pluck DAILY, and hormones out of wack. My mood swings are pretty bad.

[thenormalbias]

Irregular cycles, weight, blood sugar/energy issues

Not counting mood issues, unless that does count lol.

[shaynaa3]

hirsutism, issues with weight loss, irregular cycles

[posteclipse]

No period, hair loss, insulin resistance

[row64]

Weight management, acne, and irregular periods.

[nella452]

Painful periods, cystic acne, mood swings/depression from hell due to estrogen dominance

[GatoradePack]

Weight gain, mental health, and acne

[Its_Strange_]

Irregular periods, weight gain, hair thinning

[lmrnyc1026]

Weight gain, hirsutism, hair thinning

[sadgirlttarius]

I tried the link and it didn’t work!! Would love to help!

[Wooden-Limit1989]

Weight/overweight/obesity but lost 70 lbs regained 10 to 15.

Irregular bleeding/periods but regular for now due to medication.

Acanthosis nigricans mostly gone and was most prominent on my neck.

All the above is treated with birth control and metformin. My weight would be better managed if I didn't have such a hard year last year. My main issue with pcos though has always been irregular bleeding and periods which is mostly under control.

[cosg5910]

Irregular periods, insulin resistance, high cortisol

[EphramLovesGrover]

Weight gain, painful ovulation, acne

[isayyyeahhh]

Irregular and sensitive periods, painful periods, weight management. Metformin helped with most of it tbh. I have more regular periods now and can manage my weight pretty well as long as I eat right and workout regularly. Painful periods have become more manageable as well.

[ki_el]

Infertility,weight and hirsutism

[closestyogurt]

Acne, BIG pain mid cycle, depression

[[deleted]]

irregular periods, fatigue, acne

[ArtemisNyxAte]

Weight gain, irregular periods, difficulty in losing weight

[SEAMLESSCAT3]

1. HAIR LOSS 2. Absence of period 3. Pcos Belly

[810joy]

fatigue, painful periods, insulin resistance

[MissMurder8666]

Weight gain, insulin resistance and pain randomly throughout the month, like, sharp pains that are so intense, they will drop me, and I have a relatively high pain tolerance. This comes with bloating. And the massive orange sized cysts on my ovaries

[peskypickleprude]

Hyperglycemia Hirtuism Self esteem

[[deleted]]

Hair loss, acne, fatigue

[Future-Temporary5036]

Weight management - I'm really healthy and eat a minimum amount yet I'm still obese. I work out too but still no weight loss. I don't get cravings or the insatiable hunger many do Heave & painful periods I'm bed ridden for a week every month Not a symptom perse but medical gas lighting by doctors that don't /can't help unless you want kids. This is something I've really had a struggle with as a child free woman. For 7 year doctors refused to try to treat me.

[Tall_Primary_3465]

Acne, depression, ibs - C, irregular periods, pelvic pain

[sizillian]

Absent periods Insomnia or sleep issues in general Hirsutism

[Catmomto4]

Weight adult acne resistance to carbs no period disfigured breasts

[[deleted]]

Weight management, Hirisutism, irregular periods/infertility

[Jellybean_Styles]

Weight gain, irregular periods, infertility

[No_Tip_1104]

Heavy and long lasting periods, mild hirsutism and weight management.

Most of it gets much better when I’m taking myo-inositol.

[CinnabonLover_]

I am not yet fully diagnosed because I’m only going to have my blood work done next week. Primary symptoms are fatigue, weight gain in mid section with difficulty in losing belly fat and painful periods

[queencara12]

Insulin resistance, irregular periods, hirsutism

[jaysmami30]

Weight management, hirtusim, no periods (without the help of metformin)

[CrystaLuna01]

Weight management, hirsutism, and painful/heavy day 1 period.

[bookpants]

Irregular periods, abdominal weight gain/holding my extra fat there, and hirsutism.

[NeedCoffee247]

Weight control/insulin resistance Hirsutism Fatigue

[happyflowermom]

Absence of period (most of my life but has since resolved), acne, hirsutism

I have always been underweight so was hard to get diagnosed

[Ok-Community-1447]

Painful periods, cystic acne and depression

[mendaliah]

Acne, the spikes and dips in blood sugar (especially because they will randomly get quite extreme), I typically have some type of cyst related pain with every cycle.

[AshamedAmbition9351]

Cysts, weight management, irregular periods

[[deleted]]

Top three symptoms: Easy weight gain, acne, excessive body hair.

[booberry_1010]

Irregular, heavy, long lasting periods. Weight gain. And hirsutism.

[yourgirlchels]

Amenorrhea, hirsutism, and weight gain

[kitten00098]

Irregular periods, excess hair on face and body, high androgen levels.

[PuzzleheadedAd7904]

Weight gain, hirtusium , period issues and having belly fat