PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. An estimated 5-10% of women have PCOS, making it one of the most prevalent endocrine conditions among women of reproductive age.

PCOS is characterized by three key features:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Some women may not get their period for months at a time.


• Excess androgen levels - Women with PCOS tend to have higher than normal levels of male hormones like testosterone. This can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and thinning hair.


• Polycystic ovaries - PCOS gets its name from the small cysts that develop in the ovaries. The word "polycystic" means "many cysts."

While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it seems to be related to insulin resistance and inflammation. There also tends to be a genetic component, as PCOS runs in families.

PCOS Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman. Common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all


• Infertility or subfertility


• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back


• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp


• Acne


• Darkening skin on the neck, arms, breasts or inner thighs


• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight


• Skin tags on the neck or armpits

Health Complications

While not all women with PCOS experience complications, there are some potential long-term health risks including:

• Type 2 diabetes - Due to underlying insulin resistance, women with PCOS have a greater chance of developing diabetes.


• Heart disease - High insulin, inflammation, and abnormal lipid levels may raise the risk for cardiovascular disease over time.


• Endometrial cancer - Women who don't ovulate regularly due to PCOS can develop a thickened endometrial lining, increasing cancer risk.


• Infertility - PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility as it disrupts normal ovulation. With treatment though, many women with PCOS can get pregnant.


• Metabolic syndrome - This cluster of conditions — high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels — increases the risk for stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect you have PCOS based on your symptoms, make an appointment with your gynecologist or endocrinologist. They can run blood tests of your hormone levels and may order an ultrasound of your ovaries.

There's no outright "cure" for PCOS, but many women can manage their symptoms naturally or with medications:

• Lifestyle changes like losing weight, eating better, and exercising regularly can help lower insulin and androgen levels. Our friends at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center specialize in evidence-based lifestyle programs for hormonal health.


• Birth control pills or other hormonal medications can regulate menstrual cycles and treat conditions like acne, excess hair growth, and thinning hair.


• Fertility medications can help women with PCOS ovulate regularly and improve their chances of getting pregnant. Our fertility experts at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center achieve high success rates, even in women with PCOS.

While PCOS symptoms can be distressing, the good news is that it's a manageable condition with proper treatment and support. Reach out to a doctor or specialist if you need help managing this common but complex disorder.