Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common medical condition experienced by an estimated 5 million women across the United States. However, many women are still unfamiliar with the condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and management. It is not uncommon for many women to find out they have polycystic ovarian syndrome in their 20s or 30s when they have problems trying to conceive.
What is PCOS?
An imbalance of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone causes polycystic ovarian syndrome. Both estrogen and progesterone help to control things like our menstrual cycle, ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy. Because these hormones play an essential role in our reproductive health, the body tightly controls the amount of each hormone that circulates within the body. But in PCOS, the normal regulation of these hormones becomes disrupted, and the resulting hormonal imbalance between our hormones can lead to symptoms such as:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles – Women with PCOS often experience infrequent or absent periods
- Hirsutism – Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and back
- Acne and oily skin – Hormonal imbalances may 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
- Darkening of Skin – Particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
- Skin Tags – Small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
PCOS and Its Link to Other Medical Conditions
Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant -their bodies can make insulin but can’t use it effectively, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS may also develop serious health problems, especially if they are overweight:
- Diabetes – More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40
- Heart Disease – Women with PCOS are at higher risk, and risk increases with age
- High Blood Pressure – Can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys
- High LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol and Low HDL (“good”) Cholesterol – Increased risk for heart disease.
Diagnosis of PCOS
Diagnosing PCOS is not always straightforward, as some of the symptoms mentioned above can take on a milder form that tends to cause no apparent 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 you have PCOS due to the presence of one or more symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Your doctor can diagnose PCOS by taking a complete 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. Your doctor may also test you for cholesterol levels and diabetes.
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, your doctor may suggest specific management options that help to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Overall, management options may include one or more of the following:
- Hormonal Birth Control – Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and control symptoms like acne and hirsutism.
- Medications – Your doctor may prescribe medications to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce excess hair growth, or address other specific symptoms. For example, Metformin is a medication that is commonly used to manage PCOS.
- Balanced Nutrition and Regular Physical Activity – This can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation.
- Lifestyle Changes – Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is often the first-line treatment for PCOS.
- Fertility Treatments – If you’re trying to conceive, fertility treatments such as ovulation induction may be recommended.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women, but with the right information and management strategies, you can take control of your health. Understanding the symptoms, seeking a proper diagnosis, and exploring treatment options tailored to your needs are essential steps in managing PCOS effectively.
Speak to your doctor if you believe you have PCOS or have not found success in managing some of its symptoms.
