What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Women with PCOS may exhibit any or all of the following signs and symptoms:

• Excess androgen production (primarily testosterone)

• Irregular periods with or without ovulation

• Hormonal imbalances

• Insulin resistance (high insulin levels in the blood)

• Abnormal facial hair growth (hirsutism)

• The presence of many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs) on the ovaries

• Infertility (mainly due to anovulation)

• Weight gain or obesity

• Hair thinning

• A high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level

• Acne

  
  

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There are three criteria for diagnosing PCOS, though women only need to exhibit two of the following to receive a diagnosis:

• Any of the signs of symptoms described above, but particularly a high level of androgens in the blood

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• The presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries (this can be seen via an ultrasound)

  
  

How is PCOS treated?

There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed with any or all of the following:

• Birth control can help suppress PCOS symptoms and decrease the risk of developing endometrial cancer

• Medications such as Clomiphene (Clomid) or Letrozole can regulate menstrual cycles and induce ovulation to occur

• Medications for type 2 diabetes such as Metformin can improve insulin resistance. Metformin can also induce weight loss and aid in ovulation.

• Some medications such as Spironolactone (Aldactone) can help treat acne or excess hair growth

• Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help balance insulin levels and reduce weight

• In some cases, fertility treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be required in order to conceive

  
  

Complications of PCOS

Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, endometrial cancer. They are also at an increased risk of obesity, which can cause additional health issues such as heart disease. Further, many women with PCOS struggle with low self-esteem since PCOS can cause abnormal hair growth, weight gain, and hair thinning. It is also a leading cause of infertility, which can cause feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and fear. Thus, PCOS is a root cause of both anxiety and depression. It is recommended that women struggling with PCOS and/or infertility seek professional counseling to help process these emotions.

Sources:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (who.int)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic