No matter how big or small your pain is, it matters. You do not have to bear it silently. Take PCOS as an example. Living with it is hard enough. It can be made worse if you are also in pain due to the condition. Learn more about PCOS pain and ways to deal with it.
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.
Types of Pain Experienced in PCOS
- Pelvic Pain: Constant pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, often caused by cysts or ovarian enlargement.
- Ovarian Pain: Sharp or sudden pain during ovulation, or severe pain if a cyst ruptures or twists the ovary, sometimes with nausea or vomiting.
- Menstrual Cramps: Painful, irregular periods with severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and prolonged discomfort.
- Lower Back & Thigh Pain: A dull, radiating ache from pelvic inflammation or cyst growth, sometimes spreading to the legs.
- Pain During Sex: Pelvic tenderness or sharp pain, especially with deep penetration, due to ovarian or cyst-related issues.
- Headaches & Migraines: Hormonal shifts, especially fluctuating estrogen, can trigger persistent headaches.
- Body Aches & Fatigue: Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance may cause widespread pain and constant exhaustion.
Notably, pain most commonly presents as pelvic pain in PCOS.
Causes of Pain in PCOS
- Hormonal Imbalances: Excess androgens and estrogen dominance can disrupt the reproductive system, causing pain and discomfort.
- Enlarged Ovaries & Cysts: Cyst growth and swelling of the ovaries can cause pressure, sharp pain, or severe episodes if a cyst bursts.
- Ovarian Torsion (Twisting): A cyst can cause the ovary to twist, leading to sudden, severe pain, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent low-grade inflammation heightens pain sensitivity and contributes to systemic body aches.
- Digestive Issues & Bloating: Hormonal imbalances can affect digestion, leading to painful bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps.
How to Manage PCOS Pain?
PCOS pain can be best managed by following the below measures:
- For PCOS pain, treatment of the underlying cause, that is PCOS, may be the most effective measure. Management of PCOS with lifestyle changes and medication can help resolve not just PCOS pain, but also other symptoms of PCOS. Eat a balanced diet that contains complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, and protein. Exercise regularly, starting with at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Maintain a healthy weight and take steps to manage stress well.
- Painkillers are often prescribed to relieve painful cramps. If you are facing pain every time you menstruate, or you have been diagnosed with PCOS and experience pain, speak to a doctor about taking painkillers. It is not advisable to take painkillers without consulting a doctor first.
- Applying heating pads on the affected area can help improve blood circulation, relax the muscles, and ease the pain.
When to Seek Medical Help for PCOS Pain
PCOS pain is common, but some symptoms need medical attention. Seek help if you have severe pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy or irregular bleeding, or pain disrupting daily life. Track your symptoms, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Doctors may recommend ultrasounds, blood tests, or scans to diagnose underlying issues like cysts or endometriosis. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Trust your body, if something feels wrong, reach out to a healthcare provider for support.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women. In PCOS, the ovaries produce a higher than normal amount of androgens, leading to problems with ovulation, 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 and are found in some women with PCOS. In some cases, these cysts can be painful.
- Ovarian cysts are the most common cause of PCOS pain, whose symptoms include lower abdominal pain, cramps on one or both sides of the pelvis, dull ache in the lower back and thighs, pain during sex, and painful periods.
- PCOS pain can be best managed by following the below measures:
- PCOS pain can be managed by treating the underlying cause (PCOS), taking painkillers after consulting a doctor, and applying heating pads on the affected area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with PCOS, breast pain can be a symptom. The imbalanced hormones during PCOS can cause breast tenderness, which can be the cause of breast pain. Ovarian cysts, which may be present in women with PCOS, can also be the reason behind breast tenderness and pain.
PCOS pain is usually the result of ovarian cysts. The pain can feel like pressure or mild pain that persists over time. It can also feel like sudden and severe pain in case of a cyst rupturing or be accompanied by nausea and vomiting in case of a cyst causing the twisting of an ovary.
Yes, with PCOS, back pain is a possibility. Ovarian cysts in PCOS can cause lower back pain if they grow to a larger size.
While most women with PCOS are obese or overweight, in some cases, it is possible to have PCOS despite having a healthy weight. And if such women have ovarian cysts, they could result in PCOS pain.
Lack of ovulation is among the most common symptoms of PCOS. The lack of ovulation can also cause numerous small, fluid-filled sacs to develop on the ovaries. These are called ovarian cysts. While ovarian cysts are usually harmless, they can result in pain in some cases.
Common symptoms of PCOS like excess hair growth and acne are not necessarily known to result in pain. Acne problems for some women with PCOS can flare up, resulting in bacteria causing infection deep beneath the skin’s surface which can be painful.
PCOS pain is usually caused due to ovarian cysts that may be present in women with PCOS. It may go away by taking painkillers on the advice of a doctor or by applying a heating pad to the affected area. However, treating the root cause of the pain, that is PCOS, can take care of the PCOS pain for a longer duration.
