I found out last time I went to the doctor that I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It was an aha moment for me. So THAT'S why I have struggled with acne my entire adult life! PCOS causes an increase in male hormones in women, so the increased testosterone can cause acne and facial hair. That explains a lot! (If you don't see facial hair in any of my pictures, it's because I shave it!) PCOS is also linked to insulin resistance, which can cause acne as well. I am now on metformin to help with my insulin resistance, and will probably start Yaz birth control soon, because birth control pills really helps with PCOS. I'm hoping it helps with my acne, because my acne has gotten a lot worse lately.
Symptoms of PCOS can include:
-acne
-facial hair or increased body hair
-thinning hair on the scalp or receding hair line
-being overweight or having too much fat around the abdomen; also having trouble losing weight
-irregular or absent menstrual cycles
-mood swings
-anxiety/depression
-infertility
-miscarriage or other pregnancy complications
-sleep apnea
-it can also cause you to have similar symptoms to diabetes, without actually having diabetes, because the insulin resistance can cause your blood sugar to be messed up.
Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and low in fat, sodium, sugar, and too many starches, as well as regular cardiovascular and strength training exercise can help with PCOS symptoms as well. I began exercising again yesterday, and am hoping to stick with it this time. Hopefully this will help me feel better!!!
