The PCOS clues not to miss in your teenage daughter

Adolescence brings about many changes for girls – both physical and emotional – and it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between what’s normal, and what might need further investigation. One of the conditions that often shows up around adolescence is polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS.

PCOS is a problem with hormones that presents during the childbearing years, so if your daughter has had her first period it’s something every parent should be aware of. It affects 8–13% of females, and a staggering 21% of Indigenous females in Australia.

The cause of PCOS is unknown, but popular theory suggests it comes from an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Usually, the body will release an egg each month as part of the reproductive cycle, but PCOS can cause eggs to not develop properly, or for them not to be released at all during ovulation.

Health challenges of PCOS

The severity of PCOS can vary, but those with PCOS can be more likely to:

·   Have trouble conceiving a baby

·   Suffer from acne

·   Become obese

·   Develop diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure

·   Have sleep apnea

Symptoms of PCOS to look for

Early signs your daughter may have PCOS include:

·   Excessive hair on the face, torso or back

·   Hair loss from the scalp

·   Darkened patches of skin

·   Acne

·   Unexplained weight gain or a swollen belly

·   Irregular or absent periods – in some girls with PCOS their period may not start at all

·   Mood changes, including anxiety or depression

·   Poor body image.

Each person is different, so your daughter may have only a few symptoms, or she may have many.

How to teach your daughter to manage her PCOS

There is currently no cure for PCOS, but it can be treated, and usually that treatment plan will be long-term which can help avoid chronic health problems. Your daughter is likely to have to manage PCOS until she reaches menopausal age, so it’s important for her to understand the condition and what she needs to do. You can speak to a doctor to find out about the right treatment.

This article was written by Carolyn Tate, a Brisbane-based writer with a particular interest in women’s health, mental health and living well. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Political Science.