Polycystic ovary disease or syndrome is a female medical condition in which small, fluid-filled sacs form along the ovaries. Approximately 5 million women within the United States have polycystic ovary disease, according to estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Young girls or women who develop any of the early symptoms of polycystic ovary disease should seek additional evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities
One of the earliest symptoms of polycystic ovary disease in affected women is an abnormal menstrual cycle. Women with this condition have poorly regulated hormone cycles, which can affect the frequency, duration or heaviness of a woman's menstrual cycle, explains MedlinePlus, a medical information website established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. As a result, women with polycystic ovary disease can experience frequently absent or unusually light menstrual periods. Alternatively, certain women with this disease can develop unusually heavy and long menstrual periods, which can be uncomfortable. Women who experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles should seek additional medical care as these early symptoms of polycystic ovary disease can also be signs of alternate conditions, such as vaginal infections or pregnancy.
Weight Gain
Women can experience unexplained or unintended weight gain as an early symptom of this condition. In fact, approximately half of all women who have polycystic ovary disease are obese, explain health officials with MayoClinic.com. Patients who experience sudden or excessive weight gain while maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen should seek additional care from a physician.
Unusual Hair Growth
Polycystic ovary disease can lead to unusually high levels of male hormones, called androgens, within a woman's body, explains MayoClinic.com. As a result, women with this condition can develop male-like hair growth across certain body regions, such as the face, back or chest. This early symptom, called hirsutism, can be embarrassing to some women and should be discussed with a medical professional if it occurs. Certain women may also experience hair loss from the scalp, which can cause the hair to appear unusually thin or sparse.
Acne or Skin Discoloration
Young adolescents or women who have polycystic ovary disease can develop excessively oily skin that is prone to acne--a skin condition characterized by the appearance of red, pus-filled skin lesions across the face or body. Certain women may also experience unusual skin thickening or discoloration, particularly around the breasts, armpits or neck--an early symptom of polycystic ovary disease called acanthosis nigricans, explains KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Women who experience any of these early symptoms of polycystic ovary disease should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
