PCOS Millennials

Hindi lang ito simpleng taghiyawat o pagtaba, bes—baka PCOS na ‘yan.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder na sobrang daming babae ang meron—pero karamihan, hindi alam. Bakit? Kasi ang mga sintomas, madalas napagkakamalang normal lang o dahil sa lifestyle.

Pero girl, your skin is trying to tell you something. Narito ang 7 visible signs ng PCOS sa balat at mukha na madalas nating na-o-overlook—at ang mga medical explanations kung bakit sila nangyayari.

1. Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth sa Face or Body)

Bakit nangyayari?
Ang PCOS ay kadalasang may kasamang elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone).

Dahil dito, nagkakaroon ng unwanted hair sa upper lip, chin, chest, tummy, o even sa likod.
Clinical Insight: A 2017 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism confirms that up to 70% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism.

2. Acanthosis Nigricans (Dark, Velvety Skin Patches)

Bakit nangyayari?
Ito yung dark discoloration sa neck, singit, underarms, at minsan sa siko or tuhod. Common ito sa may insulin resistance, which is strongly linked to PCOS.

Clinical Insight: Research from Dermatologic Clinics (2014) shows that acanthosis nigricans is a common dermatological sign in insulin-resistant individuals, including those with PCOS.

3. Persistent Acne (Especially Around Jawline and Chin)

Bakit nangyayari?
Hormonal imbalance leads to excess sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation. Ang resulta? Chronic acne na hindi tinatalaban ng usual skincare.

Clinical Insight: The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes hormonal acne as a primary manifestation in women with PCOS.

4. Moon Face (Puffy or Rounded Face)

Bakit nangyayari?
Though more associated with Cushing’s Syndrome, moon face can also occur in PCOS due to cortisol dysregulation and inflammation linked to hormonal imbalance.

Clinical Insight: PCOS patients sometimes present elevated cortisol levels, which can contribute to facial swelling and fat redistribution (Journal of Ovarian Research, 2020).

5. Flushed or Red Face

Bakit nangyayari?
This can be a sign of inflammation or increased blood flow, both possible side effects of elevated estrogen or androgens. Sa iba, it can even mimic rosacea.

Clinical Insight: According to Harvard Health, hormonal fluctuations can impact blood vessel dilation, which may explain facial flushing in women with PCOS.

6. Skin Tags (Small Growths of Skin)

Bakit nangyayari?
Skin tags, especially sa neck and armpits, are associated with insulin resistance. PCOS makes the body less sensitive to insulin, triggering skin tag formation.

Clinical Insight: A study in Indian Journal of Dermatology found a strong correlation between multiple skin tags and insulin resistance in PCOS patients.

7. Seborrheic Dermatitis (Scaly, Itchy Patches sa Anit at Mukha)

Bakit nangyayari?
Hormonal imbalance affects your sebaceous (oil) glands, making them overactive. This leads to flaky, itchy, oily skin on the scalp, eyebrows, and nose area.

Clinical Insight: Studies like those from Dermatology Online Journal show a higher prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis in women with hormonal disorders, especially PCOS.

Does This Mean I Can’t Have Children?

Short answer: HINDI.

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, yes—but it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. It just means you might need help.

Because of irregular ovulation or anovulation, it becomes harder to conceive. But many women with PCOS successfully get pregnant with lifestyle changes, medication (like Clomid or Metformin), and sometimes fertility treatments.

Clinical Insight: According to The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, up to 80% of women with PCOS who receive proper care eventually conceive.

If you recognized yourself in any of these signs, please—don’t ignore them.
Your body isn’t betraying you, it’s trying to speak to you.
You are not being dramatic. You are not imagining things.
You deserve answers. You deserve care. You deserve to feel well.

✨ P.S. Even if this doesn’t apply to you right now, share it with a sister, a friend, or even your aunt. This might be the sign they’ve been waiting for.

Let’s raise awareness—not just for ourselves, but for every woman silently struggling with PCOS.

To every woman: Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. Please get checked.
To the government: Women’s health is public health. We deserve better.

Love,
Reese

Free eBook for Every Millennial Woman with PCOS: Your Ultimate Guide to Thriving with Hormonal Imbalance