What is PCOS?
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by three key features:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual periods or amenorrhea (lack of periods for 3 months or more).
- Excess androgen levels - Women with PCOS tend to have higher than normal levels of male hormones like testosterone. This can lead to symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and thinning hair.
- Polycystic ovaries - PCOS causes the ovaries to develop many small cysts along the outer edges. The word "polycystic" means "many cysts."
While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that PCOS stems from hormone imbalances and insulin resistance. Genetics and environmental factors like obesity also play a role.
Some common PCOS symptoms include:
- Irregular periods
- Facial/body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair/balding
- Skin tags
PCOS has implications beyond unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, PCOS can influence long-term health:
- Infertility - PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility due to lack of ovulation. Still, many women with PCOS can get pregnant, especially with lifestyle changes or fertility treatments.
- Diabetes - At least 50% of women with PCOS develop prediabetes or type 2 diabetes by age 40 due to underlying insulin resistance.
- Heart disease - Women with PCOS show early markers of cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. Controlling weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol can offset these risks.
- Endometrial cancer - Women who don't ovulate regularly have a higher chance of excessive endometrial thickening over time, which may lead to abnormal bleeding and endometrial cancer.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing long-term health risks. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, nutrition, and exercise can make the biggest difference for improving PCOS. Medications like birth control pills and metformin may also help regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Fertility treatments can aid conception.
While living with PCOS has its challenges, the condition is manageable with proper treatment and self-care. The key is working with a knowledgeable doctor to develop an individualized management plan. With the right lifestyle changes and support, many women with PCOS can still live happy, healthy, and fertile lives.