Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.
Typical symptoms include irregular menstruation associated with symptoms of increased male hormone, included but not limited to problems with acne, increased facial hair growth, hair loss from the scalp, or abnormal body odor.
However, women with PCOS and anovulatory cycles were found to have cervical mucus that is more compact and less symmetric. The changes seen in the cervical mucus in these women likely contribute to having a more dense, impenetrable mucus, making passage of sperm difficult and thereby contributing to their infertility.
Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis was 15.7% and 13.5%, respectively, within the PCOS patients, which were the most important factors affecting the vaginal microbiome (permutational multivariate analysis of variance test, R2 = 0.108, P = 0.001).
Hormonal imbalances related to stress, diet, or underlying medical conditions can cause heavier vaginal discharge. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, refers to a set of symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal imbalances.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. It may cause a brown discharge from irregular, light bleeding.
The time to worry about your discharge is if it starts to have a bad, fishy kind of odor, or if the color or texture changes a lot. Yellow or green discharge can be a sign of an infection, like an STD or bacterial vaginosis, and very thick white discharge could mean you have a yeast infection.
Increased blood flow to your vagina and changing levels of pregnancy hormones, like estrogen, progesterone and prolactin can affect your pH level and cause new smells.
Studies showed that the common Bacteroides in intestinal microorganisms of PCOS patients increased significantly, which may be caused by the reduction of IL-22, insulin resistance and finally PCOS by affecting the level of bile acid synthesis (Qi X. et al., 2019; Qi et al., 2020).
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
The discharge may also be lumpy, and have an unpleasant smell. White, gray, or yellow: A fishy odour accompanying this discharge could indicate bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance of natural vaginal flora which can also cause vaginal itching, soreness and discomfort.
Most of the symptoms of PCOS are caused by higher-than-normal levels of certain hormones, called androgens. The ovaries produce hormones, which are chemicals that control functions in the body.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
Adipose tissue is also recognised as an important site for excess production of pro-inflammatory mediators with subsequent chronic inflammation in women with PCOS as well as other insulin resistant conditions such as obesity [16].
Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent moisture buildup and increase airflow to the area. Change clothes and shower promptly after exercise. Practice good hygiene by washing your vaginal area with warm water and nonirritating soap. Avoid foods that might increase the odor.
Signs of inflammation in this type of PCOS include headaches, joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin issues like eczema and bowel issues like IBS. Typically, you will see raised inflammatory markers on a blood test, such as a high CRP (C reactive protein) above 5.
Often, the skin can be a window to what is occurring inside your body. For women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, this this may mean acne, hair loss, excessive facial or body hair growth, dark patches on the skin, or any combination of these issues.