Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also called polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition that impacts women of reproductive age.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also called polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition that impacts women of reproductive age. It gets its name from the fact that it causes small fluid-filled sacs (AKA cysts) to form on the ovaries.
PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that can cause reproductive system issues and other health problems.
Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes PCOS, but some factors can make you more likely to develop it.
Want to know more about PCOS? We’re here to help! This condition guide will cover the ins and outs of PCOS, including PCOS symptoms and treatment.
PCOS is a hormonal condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects about 8% to 13% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
PCOS is also the most common cause of infertility in women. That’s because PCOS-related hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation.
Researchers estimate that PCOS makes up a whopping 90% of diagnoses of non-ovulatory infertility (AKA anovulation), which is when the ovaries don’t release an egg.
Experts still don’t know why, but having PCOS also comes with a higher risk of health issues like:
Diabetes, including type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes
High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease
Anxiety and depression
Endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer that affects the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
Having an irregular period is a common symptom of PCOS. Irregular menstrual periods can be:
Unpredictable, happening more frequently or less frequently than usual
Longer or heavier than is typical for you
Absent, doctors call this amenorrhea
Hair and skin changes are also signs of PCOS. These may include:
Hirsutism, which is when you have excessive hair growth on your face, chest, or abdomen
Thinning hair or hair loss (AKA female pattern hair loss)
Oily skin and acne
Thickened, darker patches of skin, or acanthosis nigricans, typically affecting places where skin folds or creases, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts
PCOS weight gain is also a thing. Researchers estimate that 38% to 88% of women with PCOS have overweight or obesity.
What are the first signs of PCOS? It depends. PCOS symptoms can affect many parts of the body and can also vary from person to person.
The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known. But, several factors might play a role.
High levels of androgens (AKA male sex hormones) play a role in PCOS. While all women produce a small amount of these hormones, women with PCOS have higher levels than typical.
Excess androgen levels can lead to infertility in women by preventing ovulation. High androgen levels are also what leads to PCOS symptoms like excess body hair, hair loss, and acne.
Insulin resistance is when your body doesn’t respond well to the hormone insulin. It can play a role in the metabolic effects of PCOS — like weight gain and a higher risk of diabetes.
A poor response to insulin can cause your body to make more. And higher insulin levels might cause the ovaries to make more androgens.
Is PCOS genetic? Yes. Researchers have identified various genes that play a part in PCOS.
Risk factors boost your likelihood of having a health condition.
Since genetics play a role in PCOS, you’re at a higher risk if you have a family history of the condition. For example, if a close family member like a mother or sister has a PCOS diagnosis, you may be more likely to have it as well.
People with diabetes or obesity may also have a higher risk of PCOS. Lifestyle factors that contribute to these two health conditions, like having an unhealthy diet and being sedentary, can also boost your PCOS risk.
PCOS is common. But according to the WHO, up to 70% of women who have PCOS don’t yet have a diagnosis.
Many women with PCOS receive a diagnosis in their 20s or 30s when they’re having trouble getting pregnant and seek help from a healthcare provider.
If you’ve noticed other signs of PCOS, like irregular periods, excess body hair, or acne, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns.
A healthcare professional will first get your medical history. They’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and your personal and family history.
The following tests can help a healthcare provider make a PCOS diagnosis:
A physical exam, including a pelvic exam
A pelvic ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts
Blood tests to check hormone levels, including testosterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and anti-Mullerian hormone
Your healthcare provider might also assess you for PCOS-related health conditions by checking your blood pressure, blood glucose (AKA blood sugar), and cholesterol levels.
You’ll get a PCOS diagnosis if you meet two out of three of the following:
You have symptoms consistent with high androgen levels or testing confirms high androgen levels.
You have an irregular menstrual cycle that isn’t due to another cause.
You have a pelvic ultrasound that shows many cysts on your ovaries.
There’s no cure for PCOS.
But available treatments can help you manage your symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan. PCOS medications might include:
Hormone-based contraception. Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progesterone can help make your periods more regular and reduce symptoms like hirsutism and acne.
Metformin. Metformin is a diabetes drug that can help with insulin resistance. It can also help lower androgen levels.
Anti-androgen medications. Medications like spironolactone and finasteride can also reduce androgen levels. However, doctors will use caution before prescribing them to you if you’re premenopausal. They can have effects on a developing fetus.
If you’re dealing with excess body hair due to PCOS, you can safely use hair removal creams, laser hair removal, or electrolysis.
If you have PCOS and fertility issues, the following may help you get pregnant:
Medications like clomiphene (Clomid®)
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Surgery on your ovaries (if other approaches aren’t effective)
A weight loss plan is also often part of PCOS treatment. Weight loss can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It can also help boost fertility.
People with PCOS are more likely to have mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both may help with symptoms.
There’s currently no known way to prevent PCOS from developing.
However, lifestyle changes can help you manage some PCOS risk factors.
Try out the tips below to help lower your risk of diabetes and obesity:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Take steps to lose weight if you have overweight
Make sure you get enough good-quality sleep each night
Find effective ways to lower your stress levels
See your healthcare provider for regular check-ups to assess your overall health
Sometimes, making lifestyle changes can be difficult, especially when they’re very different from what you’ve been doing. If you need additional guidance to get started, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.
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