Let’s Talk About PCOS

Nov 8

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. While it affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, it can be hard to diagnose PCOS so it’s important to understand what it is if you are experiencing any of the common symptoms. If you are someone that struggles with PCOS or knows someone who does, it is important to understand potential causes, specific symptoms, and complications or long-term effects. If you think you might be prone to or possibly have PCOS, it is important to speak with a doctor that you can trust. In the meantime, we are here to provide you with some basic facts and information that is important to know so that you know what to look for. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, there are factors that may play a role in the development of PCOS such as:

Excess insulin: Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body's primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.

Low-grade inflammation: This term is used to describe white blood cells' production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

Heredity: Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.

Excess androgen: The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain. Secondly, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. While these signs/symptoms of PCOS vary, it is important to note that typically a formal diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least two of these symptoms:

Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.

Lastly, it is important to be aware of the possible complications and potential long-term effects of developing PCOS. Some of these complications can include the following:

Infertility
Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
Miscarriage or premature birth
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver
Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Sleep apnea
Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

If you think that you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, the next step is knowing when to see a doctor. If you begin to have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you're experiencing infertility, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. Additionally, if you begin experiencing signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and/or “male-pattern” baldness, it is strongly advised that you make an appointment with your doctor. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women, and it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. What is important is that you take your reproductive health into your own hands and be proactive so that you have the proper resources, facts, and treatments available to you in case you begin experiencing PCOS. The long-term effects, while serious, can be prevented and/or treated, so it is important to take the steps necessary to ensure that your reproductive health is a top priority. If you have any additional questions about PCOS and its causes, symptoms, and complications, please contact your doctor or gynecologist for more information. Remember, your health is in your hands!