Do I Have PCOS Quiz
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the US. It happens when the hormones in a woman's body are out of balance and can lead to problems like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and even trouble getting pregnant.
But don't worry – PCOS is manageable! In this blog, we'll explore what PCOS is, why it happens, and how you can take steps to feel better and live a healthier life.
How to Know if You Have PCOS Quiz
The following five questions offer a quick way to measure your PCOS symptoms. Keep track of your answers, then read on to understand your results.
How often do you experience irregular menstrual cycles (less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart)?
A) Rarely or never
B) Sometimes
C) Often
D) Always
Do you notice excessive hair growth on your face, chest, back, or other areas where men typically grow hair?
A) No
B) Yes, but it is mild
C) Yes, and it is moderate
D) Yes, and it is severe
Have you experienced severe acne, oily skin, or darkened patches of skin (especially around the neck, groin, or under the breasts)?
A) No
B) Yes, but it is mild
C) Yes, and it is moderate
D) Yes, and it is severe
Have you experienced weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, that is hard to manage despite diet and exercise?
A) No
B) Yes, but it is mild
C) Yes, and it is moderate
D) Yes, and it is severe
Have you noticed thinning hair or hair loss on your scalp?
A) No
B) Yes, but it is mild
C) Yes, and it is moderate
D) Yes, and it is severe
Interpreting Your Results:
Mostly A's: Your symptoms are not strongly indicative of PCOS. However, if you have concerns, it's always best to discuss them with a healthcare practitioner.
Mostly B's: You have some symptoms that could be associated with PCOS. Consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare practitioner to discuss your symptoms in depth.
Mostly C's or D's: Your symptoms strongly suggest that PCOS could be a possibility. It is important to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation.
An Important Note About Your PCOS Quiz Results
Your health and well-being are what matter most. Please remember that this quiz and blog are only tools to help deepen your understanding of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
This quiz is offered by the team of trained and experienced health practitioners at Ann Arbor Holistic Health, but it is designed purely for informational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or manage a condition or disease, and it should never replace the care of a knowledgeable health practitioner.
Our goal is to provide you with insightful content. Please use your quiz results responsibly to help support advice from a healthcare professional, never as a replacement for their care.
If you're experiencing symptoms related to PCOS or have other health concerns, we urge you to contact a qualified healthcare provider. If you are interested in exploring holistic strategies for PCOS and fertility, our team would be honored to help you.
What is PCOS and why does it happen?
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. The name "polycystic" refers to the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Not all women with PCOS will have these cysts, but the symptoms remain the same.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it's believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS can run in families, and your personal genetics can determine how likely you are to develop it. Research also shows that between 50% and 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate your blood sugar levels (glucose). Glucose is the main source of fuel for your body’s cells, and it’s the reason you can breathe, think, or read this blog. When someone has insulin resistance, their cells don’t respond effectively to insulin. As a result, the pancreas produces even more insulin to try to maintain normal glucose levels.
This prolonged increase in insulin production can lead to serious issues: higher blood sugar levels (which can become type 2 diabetes), and an increase in the production of male reproductive hormones, or androgens. When androgen levels are elevated in women, it causes many of the symptoms commonly found in PCOS, including unwanted hair growth, weight gain, and irregular ovulation and periods.
So we know that insulin resistance can cause PCOS – but what causes insulin resistance? Like many reproductive and hormone issues, the root causes of PCOS are part of a chain reaction.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is very common in women with both PCOS and insulin resistance, and the sources of that inflammation can vary from food sensitivities and toxin exposure to high stress and poor sleep. The solutions to PCOS will vary depending on which genetic, diet, and lifestyle factors are contributing to the inflammation in your body.
Common Signs of PCOS
PCOS manifests differently in everyone, but common signs and symptoms include:
Irregular Periods: Infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles
Hair Changes: Elevated levels of male hormones may result in excessive hair growth in places other than the scalp, or hair loss in areas similar to male-pattern baldness
Polycystic Ovaries: Enlarged ovaries containing multiple small cysts
Weight Gain: Difficulty managing weight or excess belly fat
Skin Issues: Oily skin, acne, skin tags, or darkening of the skin, particularly along neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts
How does PCOS affect fertility?
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. The hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS interfere with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur.
Even when ovulation does happen normally, PCOS can create other issues that may negatively affect your ability to get pregnant, such as poor quality of eggs or the uterine lining. However, with appropriate testing and lifestyle changes, many women with PCOS can conceive.
What to Eat for PCOS
Diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS. Here are some dietary guidelines to help manage your symptoms:
Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: Foods that have a low GI cause a slower rise in your blood sugar levels, helping to manage insulin resistance. Examples include nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts), and plenty of fruits and vegetables to reduce inflammation.
Lean Proteins: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins to maintain your muscle mass and support metabolic health.
Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts provide essential fatty acids that help regulate your hormones.
Limit Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars: Reducing your intake of sugary and highly processed foods can help manage your blood sugar levels and reduce insulin spikes.
PCOS Fertility Diet
In addition to eating a diet that helps manage your PCOS symptoms, seed cycling can be used to improve fertility. Seed cycling is a natural method to help balance hormones and boost fertility by eating certain seeds at different times in the menstrual cycle.
Seed cycling works because various seeds contain plant-based compounds that mimic the reproductive hormones found in humans. By supplementing your diet with these seeds, you offer natural support to your own cycle.
If you’re interested in seed cycling, start during the first half of your cycle, with the first day of your period serving as Day 1. On Days 1 through 14, eat 1 tablespoon each of flaxseeds and raw pumpkin seeds every day. During the second half of your cycle, (Days 15 through 28), switch to 1 tablespoon each of sesame seeds and raw sunflower seeds.
Of course, it’s important to establish that you don’t have food sensitivities to any of these seeds – you don’t want to cause additional inflammation even as you try to repair it! Our practitioners can help you order food sensitivity testing, as well as find recipes that make seed cycling easy.
Best Fertility Supplements for PCOS
What are the best PCOS supplements for fertility? Below is our top selection for supplements for PCOS and fertility. Reminder: Always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any supplement.
Inositol: Inositol can improve insulin sensitivity and support ovarian function.
Vitamin D: Many women with PCOS have low levels of vitamin D, which is important for reproductive health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in cold water fish oil supplements, these healthy fats can reduce inflammation and improve menstrual regularity.
Folic Acid: Essential for prenatal health and reducing the risk of birth defects.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): An antioxidant that may improve ovulation rates and insulin sensitivity.
Holistic Support for PCOS
A holistic approach to managing PCOS involves addressing all aspects of your health: physical, emotional, and mental. While your own needs will be specific to your personal lifestyle and fertility goals, there are a few general ways to manage PCOS that are also helpful for everyone’s overall wellness.
To start, practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is your primary stress hormone, and higher cortisol equals higher inflammation and higher blood sugar levels – never a good thing.
Prioritizing good sleep hygiene can also support your hormonal balance and reduce stress. That means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night (Yes, every night…) and making sure your sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool.
When it comes to exercise, aim for a mix of aerobic workouts like walking or running with strength training. Building muscle is key to restoring a healthy insulin response and metabolism.
Some women find relief for PCOS symptoms with herbs like spearmint tea (for excessive hair growth) and adaptogens like ashwagandha (for stress). The traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture may also help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce stress.
Managing PCOS requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes. By understanding your condition and making informed choices about diet, supplements, and holistic practices, you can effectively manage PCOS and improve your quality of life. Remember, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement regimen.
If you're experiencing any symptoms or have questions about PCOS, don't hesitate to book a free 1-on-1 consultation with one of our practitioners to discuss the best approach for your wellness goals. We would be honored to help you navigate your health journey!