Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition experienced by an estimated 5 million women across the United States. PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. This hormonal imbalance results in symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, and acne-prone skin. Just as importantly, women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and infertility (more difficulty becoming pregnant). So, understanding PCOS, its potential impacts on your health, and existing management options are important parts of dealing with the condition.
Symptoms of PCOS
In polycystic ovarian syndrome, the normal regulation of androgen hormones becomes disrupted. This resulting imbalance can lead to symptoms such as:
- Irregular menstrual cycles – Women with PCOS often experience infrequent or absent periods.
- Hirsutism – Another term for excessive hair growth, Hirsutism is particularly prominent on the face, chest, and back. This can be a visible sign of the condition.
- Acne and oily skin – Hormonal imbalances can lead to persistent acne and overly oily skin.
- Hair thinning or balding – Some women with PCOS experience hair thinning, similar to male-pattern baldness.
- Weight gain – PCOS can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Weight gain is a common symptom.
Complications of PCOS
Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, meaning their bodies can make insulin but can not use it effectively, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS may also develop serious health problems such as:
- Diabetes – More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40.
- Heart disease – Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing heart disease, and the risk increases with age.
- High blood pressure – Can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys.
- Infertility – PCOS is the most common cause of a type of infertility called anovulatory infertility. This is when ovaries fail to release an egg during a menstrual cycle, making it very difficult to become pregnant without medical assistance.
- Cancer of the uterus due to infrequent ovulation and weight gain. Risk also increases with age.
Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosing PCOS is not always straightforward. Some of the symptoms mentioned above can take on a milder form that tends to cause no obvious problems. For example, some women may consult a dermatologist for their acne, others may consult their family doctor about their irregular menstrual cycle, and excess weight gain may be attributed to something else. Furthermore, it’s possible just to have one symptom of PCOS.
Understandably, it can be easy to miss the underlying diagnosis of PCOS. Therefore, if you suspect that you have PCOS due to the presence of one or more symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Your doctor can diagnose PCOS by taking a full medical history and carrying out a physical exam. In addition, blood tests will be used to check your androgen hormone levels. Your doctor will also check for other hormones related to other common health problems that can be mistaken for PCOS, such as thyroid disease.
A pelvic ultrasound (sonogram) may also be required. This test uses sound waves to examine your ovaries for cysts and check the endometrium (lining of the uterus or womb).
Management of PCOS
There is no definitive cure for PCOS. However, there are many ways to manage the symptoms. In general, management options will depend on the severity of the condition and its impact on your quality of life. For example, if you are trying to conceive (or having difficulty conceiving), your doctor may suggest specific management options that help to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Overall, management options will provide symptom management and target the complications of PCOS. This may include one or more of the following:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles – Hormonal birth control pills or progestin can be used to help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Histsuism (excessive hair) – In addition to regulating menstrual cycles, hormonal birth control pills can also be used to control symptoms like acne and hirsutism.
- Fertility Treatments – If you’re trying to conceive or having difficulty conceiving, fertility treatments such as clomiphene or Metformin can be used to help with ovulation.
- Lifestyle Measures – Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is often the first-line treatment for PCOS. Balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation. Although some of the medications above can make an important difference in managing PCOS symptoms, lifestyle changes such as healthy diets and exercise should not be overlooked.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women. Still, with the right information and management strategies, getting more control of your symptoms and reducing the risk of complications is possible. It is important to speak to your doctor if you believe you have PCOS or have not found success in managing some of its symptoms.