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Warning-sign checks

Polycystic ovary syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by fainting, marked weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty staying awake.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially with vomiting, fever, faintness, or possible pregnancy.

    PCOS itself usually does not cause sudden severe pain, so another condition such as ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst, or an ectopic pregnancy may need to be ruled out.

    If you are receiving fertility treatment, follow the clinic’s urgent advice for severe abdominal swelling or pain, rapid worsening of symptoms, breathing difficulty, or reduced urination.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if:

    • Your periods are repeatedly very irregular, more than about three months apart, or absent
    • Unwanted hair growth, acne, or scalp hair loss is affecting you
    • You are trying to become pregnant and periods are irregular
    • You have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as persistent thirst or frequent urination
    • Snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, or daytime sleepiness are a concern
    • You feel persistently low, anxious, distressed about eating, or overwhelmed by symptoms

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Polycystic ovary syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.