5 Conditions Linked to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)!

5 Conditions Linked to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)!

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 women globally experience PCOS, and many may not even realize it. While PCOS is often recognized for symptoms like irregular periods, acne, or weight gain, it can also affect other areas of your body, including your skin, scalp, mood, and digestion.

Here are five surprising conditions that may actually be linked to PCOS.


Dandruff and Oily Scalp

PCOS can cause an increase in androgen hormones, leading to overproduction of oil (sebum) on the scalp. This excess oil can trap dead skin cells and yeast, triggering dandruff, itchiness, and greasy roots. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to 40–50% of women with PCOS experience androgen-related scalp issues such as seborrheic dermatitis (a common inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas like the scalp, face, and chest).


Brain Fog and Poor Concentration

Ever feel like you can’t focus or easily forget things? That mental fatigue might be linked to PCOS. Hormonal imbalances, especially fluctuating insulin and blood sugar levels, can impact how your brain regulates energy. Women with PCOS showed reduced cognitive performance and memory recall, likely related to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. This is sometimes described as “PCOS brain fog”, a mix of difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, and mental exhaustion.


Stomach Pain or Bloating After Eating

Your gut and hormones are more connected than you think. PCOS can alter the balance of gut bacteria (microbiota), leading to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort after meals. Research published in Human Reproduction suggests that women with PCOS have lower gut diversity, affecting metabolism and inflammation levels. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics can help restore digestive balance and reduce bloating.


Stomach Pain or Bloating After Eating

PCOS doesn’t just affect your body; it also influences your emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which control mood and motivation, can be disrupted by PCOS-related insulin and androgen changes. Studies from the Journal of Affective Disorders show that 40–60% of women with PCOS report symptoms of anxiety or depression, even without a prior mental health diagnosis.
If you often feel anxious, irritable, or emotionally drained for no clear reason, it might be connected to your hormonal balance.


Darkened Skin Around Neck or Armpits (Acanthosis Nigricans)

Have you noticed darker, thicker patches of skin on your neck, underarms, or inner thighs? This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is commonly linked to insulin resistance, one of the core features of PCOS. According to The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, around 20–30% of PCOS patients develop skin darkening due to excess insulin levels stimulating pigment and skin cell growth. These dark patches are usually harmless but can signal that your body’s insulin levels need attention.


When to Seek Help

If you recognize two or more of these symptoms, from skin and scalp issues to mood changes, it might be time to check in with a medical professional. PCOS affects multiple body systems, and proper management often requires a holistic approach that addresses hormones, nutrition, and mental health together.


Filmore Medical Center Is Here to Help!

If you suspect you might have PCOS or experience symptoms that feel related, don’t hesitate to consult with our health professionals at Filmore Medical. Early detection and management can make a real difference in balancing hormones and improving your quality of life.

📍 Available in Pondok Indah and Setiabudi Atrium
📞 Book your appointment: +62 852-8382-4420


Source

  1. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology — Seborrheic Dermatitis and Androgen Imbalance in Women with PCOS.
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2021) — Cognitive and Metabolic Correlations in PCOS.
  3. Human Reproduction (2020) — Gut Microbiome Composition and Metabolic Outcomes in PCOS.
  4. Journal of Affective Disorders (2022) — Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in PCOS Patients.
  5. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2019) — Acanthosis Nigricans and Insulin Resistance in PCOS.

 

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