This is PCOS Awareness Month and we want you to be more aware of your body. Here are some common symptoms of PCOS.

1. Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycle: Less than 6 menstrual cycles in a year definitely calls for a doctor visit.

2. Difficulty Getting Pregnant: If you have been trying to get pregnant for the last one year and have has troubles, PCOS could be the culprit. In fact women suffering with PCOS also have difficulty staying pregnant, causing miscarriages.

3. Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth on the face and the body is referred to as a hirsutism. This is one of the symptoms of PCOS. This is caused by excessive production of androgen, or the male hormone.

4. Depression/ Anxiety: Women with PCOS have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety when compared to women without the condition. This is owing to the significant imbalance of hormones which is causing the PCOS in first place. This hormonal imbalance severely affects moods and causes anxiety and depression.

5. Weight Gain: PCOS causes insulin resistance and impacts the body’s metabolism. Hence, weight gain is a common occurrence with PCOS. Women with PCOS put on weight very soon.

Other symptoms include male pattern hair loss, acne, skin tags, high cholesterol levels, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness and decreased sex drive.