One of the most common hormonal conditions among women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is also one of the leading causes of infertility.
In medical terms, PCOS is a hormonal condition usually characterized by two or more of the following characteristics: irregular periods, high Androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.
It can affect a person’s overall health by making them feel constantly tired and raising the risk for Type-2 Diabetes.
With the risk of developing these health issues, there must be greater emphasis on early diagnosis and management.
This article will explore Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in great detail, including its causes, symptoms, complications, and much more.
What is PCOS
Polycystic Ovary syndrome is a common condition that affects hormone levels in people with ovaries.
Generally, when women produce higher than normal levels of Androgens, it results in a hormonal imbalance, which may lead to the development of PCOS symptoms.
Androgens are sex hormones responsible for developing sexual characteristics in males. Females also produce Androgens in small amounts.
Around 8 to 13% of women of reproductive age around the world have this syndrome. About 70% of these cases remain undiagnosed.
Gaining a better understanding of this hormonal condition can help spread awareness and diagnose the condition for better management.
Bloating is a common symptom that may indicate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. To know when such bloating indicates this syndrome, read PCOS Bloating: What You Need to Know.
Types of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Source: Oleksandra_Troian_from_Getty_ImagesGenerally, the types of PCOS are differentiated based on their symptoms and causes.
There are four types of PCOS:
Pill-induced PCOS: In some cases, the effects of birth control pills may last longer than they are supposed to, which may suppress ovulation and lead to this condition.
Inflammatory PCOS: Low-grade chronic inflammation in the body may cause polycystic ovaries to produce high levels of male sex hormones to cause Inflammatory PCOS.
Hidden Cause PCOS: Sometimes, the exact cause of this condition cannot be determined due to the diversity of symptoms. In such cases, the doctor may diagnose a person with Hidden Cause PCOS.
Insulin-resistant PCOS: In this type, high levels of insulin in the body trigger the ovaries to produce higher levels of Testosterone, leading to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Wondering how to lower Testosterone and manage PCOS? Read How to Lower Testosterone PCOS.
What Causes PCOS
Scientific experts and doctors are unsure of exactly what causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Generally, high Androgen levels in females prevent the ovaries from producing eggs normally. This usually results in the development of symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
High Androgen levels may be a result of the following factors, which may ultimately be labeled as the causes of PCOS:
Genetics: Research suggests that PCOS can affect certain genes, which may be passed on to the next generation. Therefore, a family history of PCOS may raise the risk of having this condition.
Insulin resistance: One of the most significant traits in people with PCOS is insulin resistance. For this reason, Insulin-resistant PCOS is the most common type.
Inflammation: 2013 research supports that inflammation in the body can trigger polycystic ovaries to produce high levels of Androgens, which may lead to Inflammatory PCOS.
Want to know which factors can increase your risk of developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Read ‘risk factors for PCOS’.
Symptoms and Signs of PCOS
Source: elenavagengeimPolycystic Ovary Syndrome can present itself with different symptoms in different people. However, learning about these symptoms can help with early identification and treatment of the condition.
The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may include:
- Excess hair growth (Hirsutism)
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain and trouble losing weight
- Acne and skin issues
- Mood swings and Anxiety
- Headaches and Migraines
- Fatigue
You should note that it is not necessary to experience all these symptoms to receive a PCOS diagnosis.
Consulting a medical professional is important for effective management and treatment.
Are you wondering why people with PCOS experience increase in weight? Read PCOS Weight Gain: Can PCOS Increase Your Weight?
Can I Have PCOS Without Any Symptoms?
Yes, many people can have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome without any symptoms, which may contribute to a large number of undiagnosed cases.
Many people may discover they have PCOS when they are unable to get pregnant or gain weight for unknown reasons.
In cases of mild syndrome, the symptoms may not be severe enough to notice, or there may be no symptoms at all.
Following a PCOS-freindly weight loss diet can help you lose that unwanted weight and manage this condition. To know what more about such diet, Read A Comprehensive Weight Loss Diet for PCOS.
Complications of PCOS
Neglecting the symptoms or leaving them untreated can contribute to several health issues. The complications of PCOS may include
Type-2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance is a common trait among PCOS patients. The inability to convert insulin into estrogen may raise blood sugar levels, which may contribute to Type-2 Diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome: PCOS can raise the risk for high blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Together, these factors are called Metabolic Syndrome, which may raise the risk for heart disease and Diabetes.
Depression: Hormonal changes and unwanted changes in the body, like excess hair growth and acne due to PCOS, can contribute to Depression and Anxiety.
Endometrial Cancer: The uterine lining sheds during ovulation. PCOS patients may not ovulate every month, so that the uterine lining may build up.
A thickened uterine lining can raise the risk of Endometrial Cancer.
Infertility: Ovulation is necessary to get pregnant. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can affect ovulation in a woman, which may cause trouble getting pregnant and infertility.
To learn more about how this hormonal condition affects your chances of getting pregnant, read Understanding the Link Between PCOS and Pregnancy.
PCOS Diagnosis
Mostly, your doctor may diagnose PCOS by discussing your symptoms and conducting a physical examination.
Your healthcare provider may:
- Conduct a physical examination to rule out other causes of irregular periods
- Suggest a blood test to check hormone levels
- Discuss family history
- Conduct an ultrasound to check for polycystic ovaries
3 Main Symptoms to Diagnose PCOS
Source: Valeriia Miller from ThValeriia _Miller_CollectionGenerally, a medical expert may diagnose you with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome if you have any two of the following symptoms:
Polycystic Ovaries: This syndrome may cause cysts on the ovaries or cause the ovaries to enlarge.
High Androgen levels: Excess hair growth, acne, or a blood test may indicate high Androgen levels.
Irregular Periods: Some people with PCOS may miss periods or not have them at all. In some cases, they may experience heavy periods.
Want to know more about how to regulate your periods? Read A Guide: How to Regulate Periods with PCOS.
How to Prevent PCOS
There is no scientifically proven method to prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. But, certain steps can help you minimize the risk of developing it. These steps may include:
- Dietary changes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular workouts
- Stress management
You should remember that these preventive steps cannot eliminate the risk of developing this syndrome completely.
If you wish to learn more about the dietary changes you need to make for treating or preventing this condition, read Can A Healthy PCOS Diet Make A Difference?
PCOS Treatment
Source: Signature_imagePCOS treatment usually depends on whether you’re planning to get pregnant or not.
If you’re not planning to get pregnant, the treatment may include
- Hormonal birth control pills that can regulate the menstrual cycle and help with menstrual blood loss
- Insulin-sensitizing medicines like Metformin are commonly prescribed to treat the condition
- Androgen-blocking medication like Spironolactone may suppress the overproduction of Androgens and relieve the symptoms
- Lifestyle changes like reducing weight and eating a healthy diet may regulate hormonal balance and treat this syndrome
For women who plan to get pregnant, the treatment usually focuses on restoring fertility. The treatment may involve:
- Ovulation-inducing drugs like Clomiphene may induce ovulation and help you get pregnant
- Surgery may be considered when medication for PCOS may prove ineffective. The surgery may involve the removal of tissue that produces Androgens and restores ovulation
- Lifestyle changes like maintaining weight and taking a pregnancy-friendly diet may help
To learn how you can get pregnant while having this syndrome, read Fertility Success: How to Get Pregnant with PCOS?
Does PCOS Ever Go Away?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a chronic condition and there is no treatment plan that can permanently cure it.
However, early diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage the symptoms and help you return to normal life.
To learn more about why Polycystic Ovary Syndrome does not go away, read ‘is PCOS a chronic illness’.
Final Outlook
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal condition that affects Androgen levels in the body.
High Androgen levels may contribute to the development of PCOS symptoms like acne, irregular periods, and fatigue.
Depending on the cause, the doctor may diagnose you with a specific type of PCOS. However, if they are unable to determine a cause, you may be diagnosed with Hidden Cause..
Medical practitioners usually discuss symptoms and family history and conduct an ultrasound or blood test to diagnose the condition accurately.
Once a person is diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the treatment usually depends on whether they are planning a pregnancy or not.
In both cases, medications and lifestyle changes are usually first-choice treatments.
Seeking medical advice is necessary for effective treatment and management of the condition and to prevent any complications like infertility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone with PCOS have fertility issues?
No, while PCOS is a common cause of infertility, not everyone with this condition experiences fertility challenges. Early detection and management can improve fertility outcomes.
Can PCOS develop after menopause?
Yes, while PCOS typically occurs during the reproductive years, some symptoms may persist after menopause. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for proper guidance.
Is PCOS the only cause of irregular periods?
No, other factors can cause irregular periods. PCOS is one of the common causes, but hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and certain medications can also contribute.
Are there specific exercises beneficial for PCOS?
Yes, aerobic exercises and strength training can benefit individuals with PCOS. Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight.
Can PCOS affect sleep patterns?
Yes, hormonal imbalances in PCOS can contribute to sleep disturbances. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and addressing stress can help improve sleep quality.
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