Scrolling through my Facebook PCOS group, some women mention lesser-known side effects of this disease. These are not the “main” ones you read about when searching PCOS symptoms. Sadly, this is the final chapter in the PCOS series. I figured calling out some of these symptoms would be a great way to end.

Once learning about lesser-known symptoms, I found a few articles on them. As we all know, everyone has different symptoms of this disease. I’m sure there are many more that women experience, I won’t mention. But here are a couple I’ve read the most about.

1. Low Sex Drive: I’ve heard women talk about this symptom more than the others. This symptom could stem from the mental health issues women with PCOS face, but that’s inconclusive. When I feel down, I have no desire to be intimate with my husband. It can be EXTRA frustrating for someone like me, who is trying to conceive. How can I have a baby if I have a low sex drive? I’ve found no miracle drug, but maybe there is a pill or herb that can help. My husband and I went a different route to spice things up. I won’t go into detail, but I suggest taking a trip to an adult store. Even if you buy nothing, just browsing with my husband has helped my sex drive.

Another option is to pick up a “dirty book,” as my husband likes to call them. I’m not sure why, but reading a sex scene in a book boosts my libido. I could consider it the same when someone watches porn. That’s not my cup of tea, so dirty novels it is!

2. Cold Hands/Feet & Chills: I deal with this symptom every day! Again, I’ve read they can relate it to PCOS or many other medical diagnoses. A few women talked about it in my group and figured it was important to mention. My hands and feet are cold every day. The heating pad has become my most prized possession. Eventually, they warm up, and then I’m hot. Lovely PCOS at its finest. You can shiver one minute and be sweating the next! Some nights I’ve had chills so bad I swore I had a fever. And when I take my temperature, it’s actually low. It makes no sense and is beyond frustrating. Also, stores sell warmers specifically for your feet and hands.

For my chills, I sleep with a cooling blanket and have my heating pad on underneath it. I know it seems odd. My lower extremities get cold, and my upper body likes to sweat at night. If you don’t own a cooling blanket, a wet cloth on your forehead can be an excellent substitute.

3. Headaches: No one I know enjoys having a headache. Mine seem to come on strong and at random times. I’ve read that smelling or applying peppermint or lavender oil can help. This method has worked a few times.

When they are terrible, I apply an ice pack to my forehead every 15 minutes. This seems to relieve some pressure. After the initial 15 minutes, I apply Vick’s vapor rub to my temples, forehead, and on top of my nose. My mom always told me Vicks had magic healing powers, so one day I tried it, and it worked. Something about the menthol calms the pounding in your head. There’s no scientific evidence behind it, but it’s worth a shot.

Maybe you have wondered why you have a low sex drive or cold hands and feet. With little research on these lesser-known symptoms, it’s hard to conclude its PCOS related. However, at least bringing it to the surface can help someone with PCOS learn a bit more and consult their doctor. And as always, stay strong, “cysters”!

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