What is PCOS?
PCOS, which stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. It is estimated that PCOS affects ~10% of women of reproductive age. The key features of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Many experience cycles longer than 35 days or have cycles without ovulation (anovulatory cycles).
- Excess androgen levels - Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of male hormones like testosterone. This can cause symptoms like facial hair growth, scalp hair loss, and acne.
- Polycystic ovaries - PCOS gets its name from the multiple small cysts that develop in the ovaries. However, cystic ovaries are not required for a PCOS diagnosis.
Some other common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
- Obesity or rapid weight gain - Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes - Skin tags (acrochordons) - Anxiety or depression - Infertility or subfertility
*What causes PCOS?* The exact cause is unknown but research suggests it's related to abnormal hormone levels. Key factors include:
- Insulin resistance - Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. In insulin resistance, cells fail to respond properly to insulin. This causes excess insulin production, which may increase androgen levels.
- Low-grade inflammation - Women with PCOS show mild inflammation which can stimulate polycystic ovaries and encourage weight gain.
- Heredity - PCOS tends to run in families, suggesting a possible genetic component.
*How is PCOS diagnosed?* There's no single test for PCOS. Doctors make a diagnosis based on a combination of:
- Irregular periods and ovulation problems - Signs of androgen excess like acne and excess hair growth - Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Blood tests can help rule out other potential causes of irregular cycles like thyroid issues. Your doctor may also check testosterone or AMH levels.
*What are the health risks associated with PCOS?*
Left untreated, PCOS puts you at higher risk for:
- Diabetes - Up to 10% of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes before age 40. - Infertility - PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. - Metabolic syndrome - This cluster of conditions includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess fat around the waist. - Endometrial cancer - Women with PCOS have 2-4 times higher risk. Lack of ovulation causes more frequent uterine lining buildup. - Sleep apnea - Partly tied to obesity risk. - Anxiety and depression - Body image issues and hormonal swings can negatively impact mental health.
*What treatments are available for PCOS?*
Lifestyle changes like weight loss, exercise, and stress reduction should be the first line of treatment. Medications like birth control pills, anti-androgens, and metformin may also be used to regulate cycles and reduce hirsutism and acne.
For infertility, ovulation-stimulating medications like clomiphene or letrozole improve the chances of conception. Balance Hormone Center provides individualized fertility treatments to help women with PCOS achieve their family goals.
In summary, PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, and metabolic issues. Proper diagnosis and management of PCOS are important to reduce the risk of related complications. With the right medical care and healthy lifestyle habits, many women with PCOS can manage their symptoms successfully. *Let us know if you have any other questions!*