What is PCOS?
PCOS also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal condition caused by an abnormal amount of androgens that is found in larger doses for those assigned as a man at birth and in smaller doses for those assigned female at birth, genetics or even other health issues. PCOS affects how the ovaries work, it is one of the leading causes of infertility which affects 6 to 12% percent of women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). PCOS can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne. Many people who have PCOS also have types 2 diabetes due to the fact their body produces insulin that their body cannot use.
Risks of PCOS?
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Endometrial hyperplasia.
- Endometrial cancer.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Depression and anxiety.
Causes of PCOS?
Doctors don’t know the link between what causes PCOS, however from what research has been done, some of the common causes include the following:
- Higher levels of androgens
- As mentioned before, this is a hormone that’s found in larger doses in those who are assigned as men at birth and smaller amounts in those found as female. Having more androgens can lead to PCOS
- Hereditary
- If a sibling, parent or relative has it you have a chance of it as well
- Insulin Resistance
- This can cause higher levels of insulins as stated before
- Low-Grade Inflammation
- White blood cells have been shown to have a link as those with low-grade but long-term inflammation can lead to cysts.
Symptoms
There are three main symptoms to identify
- Many fluid-filled sacs ( Follicles) surround eggs in the ovaries. Even though they aren’t cysts, an ultrasound of the ovaries can be used to find these sacs
- Irregular/absent periods
- Androgens
Other Symptoms include:
- Excessive hair on the face, chest or stomach
- Heavy bleeding (When you do have a period)
- Thinning of the scalp or male pattern baldness
- Acne
- Food cravings, particularly carbohydrates and sugary foods
- Difficulty losing weight or quickly gaining weight
- Fertility problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Binge eating
- Body image concerns
- Sleeping issues
- Darkening spots on your skin, particularly armpits, groins, under breast, neck
- Skin tags
- Cyst
- High blood pressure
Diagnosis Process
Taking a look at what the diagnoses process looks like,
First, when should you see your healthcare provider?
- An irregular menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles are often long (longer than 40 days between periods).
Excess hair growth, acne or other signs of excess androgen hormones. - Difficulty getting pregnant.
Some of the questions they may ask may be about
- Weight changes
- Your period cycle
- Family history
- Your personal medical history
Some of the most common tests they’ll have you do include:
- Pelvic exam, your health provider can check for masses, growth and other changes
- Ultrasound exams can check the thickness of you lining of your uterus and your ovary’s appearance
- Blood tests, checking hormone levels
Possible Treatment Options
If you are planning on getting pregnant the following treatment may be the best choice for you, keep in mind every case is unique and you need to consult with your doctor.
Options that are best for if you’re trying to get pregnant:
- Lifestyle changes
- Including more omega-3 fats
- Choosing more low GI carbohydrates and wholegrains
- Having balanced meals
- Keeping a regular eating schedule
- Taking medicines that induce ovulation
- Clomiphene (Take orally)
- letrozole (Taken orally)
- gonadotropins ( Injections)
- IVF
Options which are used if you don’t want to get Pregnant:
- Combination of birth control pills ( suggested by doctors)
- Progestin therapy
- Insulin-sensitizing medicine
- Medications to block androgens
In addition, you can also work with a dermatologist for the acne
Some other places or people you can seek for help, diagnoses and treatment:
- Your doctor (GP)
- Gynecologist
- Endocrinologist
- Local women’s health clinic
- Community health centre
- Dietitian
- Exercise physiologist
Summary
PCOS is something that can be difficult to deal with, especially in the context of getting pregnant, as well as dealing with unwanted symptoms. Lifestyle treatments are the most recommended when it comes to PCOS, and dietary as well as activity changes can often yield the best results. Medications can also come in handy, but it’s important to talk with your doctors to find out what the best options are for you.
Works Cited
BDA. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Diet.” Www.bda.uk.com, 2022, www.bda.uk.com/resource/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-diet.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 Aug. 2022, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html.
Cleveland Clinic. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 Sept. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).” John Hopkins Medicine, 2019, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos.
Mayo Clinic. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439#:~:text=Polycystic%20ovary%20syndrome%20is%20a.
“Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).” Vic.gov.au, 2012, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos.
Watson, Stephanie. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).” Healthline, 3 Aug. 2015, www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease#:~:text=Polycystic%20Ovary%20Syndrome%20(PCOS)%3A%20Symptoms%2C%20Causes%2C%20and%20Treatment. Accessed 11 July 2023.