Contents:
- Does PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Cause Pain?
- How to Manage PCOS Pain?
- Don’t Have Time To Read?
- FAQs
Does PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Cause Pain?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong health condition affecting women, a hormonal disorder in which ovaries produce more than the normal amount of male hormones or androgens, which are usually present in a smaller amount in females.
As a result of this hormonal imbalance, the ovaries are unable to release eggs (ovulation), which causes irregular menstrual cycles and other PCOS symptoms.
The lack of ovulation can also cause numerous small, fluid-filled sacs to develop on the ovaries. These are called ovarian cysts. However, not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts and the cysts are not a mandatory criterion to be diagnosed with PCOS.
Ovarian cysts are usually harmless and do not have any specific symptoms. However, in some cases, these cysts can be painful. Hence, if women with PCOS feel pain, it may be due to the ovarian cysts present in these women. Thus, ovarian cysts are the most common cause of PCOS pain.
Pain due to ovarian cysts (in PCOS or otherwise) may present as PCOS pain symptoms, including:
- Lower abdominal pain or pressure.
- Cramps and pain on one or both sides of the pelvis.
- Sudden and severe pain (in case of a cyst rupturing).
- Pain with nausea and vomiting (in case of a cyst causing twisting of an ovary).
- Dull ache in the lower back and thighs.
- Pain during sex.
- Painful periods.
Notably, pain most commonly presents as pelvic pain in PCOS.