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Jun 27, 20235 min read

PCOS Symptoms Quiz: Assessing the Signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Updated: Oct 3

Are you experiencing irregular periods, increased body hair, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, or general hormonal imbalance?

These could be symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder that affects millions of women worldwide.

If you suspect you may have PCOS or want to learn more about its symptoms, and this article will guide you through a comprehensive quiz to help assess the signs of PCOS and find out the best natural treatments available.


Please note that this PCOS quiz is not a substitute for medical advice; it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


gynecology



1. What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS?


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of the female reproductive hormones that affects women during their childbearing years. It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and various metabolic abnormalities. PCOS can cause various symptoms, impacting physical and emotional well-being.

PCOS occurs due to an imbalance of reproductive hormones, specifically higher levels of androgens (male hormones) and a chronic lack of ovulation.

In PCOS, multiple cysts develop inside the ovaries, producing a male hormone called androgens, which blocks the release of mature eggs. It also happens as a hormonal cascade, estrogen increases, LH and testosterone, and then ovulation is prevented, and a prolonged menstrual cycle happens.

It is estimated that around 5 million US women have PCOS, the most common cause of anovulatory infertility.

Western medicine hasn't been able to find the cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but most women are pre-diabetic or have problems with sugar metabolism.


2. Common PCOS Symptoms


pcos

PCOS manifests differently in each individual, but there are several common symptoms to watch out for. These include:

  • Irregular periods or absence of periods

  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Mood swings and depression

  • Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk

  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving


3. The PCOS Symptoms Quiz


Take this quiz to assess whether you might be experiencing symptoms of PCOS. Answer each question honestly by selecting the response that best represents your situation:


1. Do you have irregular periods or no periods at all?


2. Have you noticed an increase in hair growth on your face, chest, or abdomen?


3. Do you frequently experience acne breakouts or oily skin?


4. Have you gained weight or found it challenging to lose weight despite your efforts?


5. Do you often feel moody or experience symptoms of depression?


6. Have you been diagnosed with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes?


7. Are you having trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant?


4. Interpreting the Results

Once you've completed the quiz, tally up your responses. If you answered "yes" to at least three of the questions, consulting with a healthcare professional for further evaluation is advisable. While this quiz provides an initial assessment, a proper diagnosis can only be made by a medical expert.

If you suspect you may have PCOS based on the symptoms and quiz results, scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider is essential. They will conduct a thorough examination, review your medical history, and may request additional tests such as blood work or ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis.


5. Western Medical Treatment


- Birth control pills:


menstrual medication

BCPs can help regulate menstrual cycles, lower levels of androgens, reduce abnormal hair growth, and improve acne. However, symptoms can return if a woman stops taking the pills, and these aren't an option for women trying to conceive.

- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

To help mature eggs and induce ovulation (release the eggs).

- Diabetes medications:

Metformin: controls insulin and blood sugar levels, regulates the production of male hormones, and improves the regularity of menstrual cycles.

- Steroids:

To balance the androgen hormonal effects to treat excess or unwanted hair growth and acne. However, over the long term, they can cause liver damage and a reduction of bone density.

- Surgically eliminate follicular cysts:

This can decrease the production of male hormones and increase ovulation. It will not help with excessive hair growth and carries the risk of scar tissue forming on the ovaries. Normally, results only last a few months, and then the symptoms return.

- If all of these fail, IVF is recommended.

However, IVF may hyper-stimulate the ovaries and create a multitude of side effects, like ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome.


6. Managing PCOS naturally with Traditional Chinese Medicine

From a TCM point of view, PCOS is classified as amenorrhoea or scanty periods, abdominal masses, and/or infertility.

The aim of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to redress the hormonal imbalance that produces changes in ovarian function. Treatment is based upon pattern differentiation: not every woman with PCOS should get the same treatment.

Chinese Medicine customizes the treatment to each patient's unique characteristics, addressing the hormonal imbalance's root cause.


Acupuncture:


acupuncture

Acupuncture works to restore the entire sympathetic nervous system. It normalizes the hormonal system tied to ovulation and reproduction and reduces PCOS symptoms.

The most important organ systems to treat in Chinese Medical Gynecology include the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver, with a related disharmony of Chong and Ren channels.


Herbal Medicine:


Chinese Herba Medicine has a long history of treating all kinds of gynecological issues: the first gynecological and obstetric medical institution was established during the Song dynasty (960-1279).

The most popular common herbal formula to treat PCOS in Taiwan is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San; but formulas should always be customized by your herbalist to make the treatment more effective for you individually.


Chinese Herbs effectively reduce symptoms of PCOS, improve fertility, treat pre-diabetes, stimulate adrenal glands, treat irregular cycles, etc.


7. Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Options


healthy food

Cut out all forms of refined sugar and carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, white rice, rice cakes, shakes, most breakfast cereals, or any starchy, low-fiber food.


• Avoid sweeteners, soda, fruit juice, and any drinks that rapidly raise blood sugar levels.

• Consume an adequate amount of protein.

• Eat plenty of vegetables, but not raw.

• Eat only complex whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa.

• Avoid cold food, ice-cold drinks, milk, and dairy products.

• Eliminate alcohol and caffeine.

• Exercise daily.


8. Traditional Chinese Medical Studies on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:


9. Conclusion

In conclusion, PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that is becoming more common in women worldwide. According to the CDC, PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility, affecting around 5 million women in the US, and is a lifelong condition that can not be cured.

TCM has been shown to be effective in treating PCOS. Current studies demonstrate that Chinese medicine can be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS.


The Taiwan National Health Insurance Plan database analysis shows that 89.22% of women diagnosed with PCOS in Taiwan now receive TCM treatment because of its effectiveness.

If you want to learn more about natural treatments for PCOS, contact us at Soul Acupuncture & Herbal.





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