Understanding PCOS: A Hormonal Puzzle Affecting Women’s Health
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might sound like a complicated term, but it’s actually a hormonal puzzle that can affect female bodies. Let’s take a journey into the world of PCOS, exploring what it is, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.
What is PCOS?
Imagine your body is like a finely tuned orchestra, with hormones playing different instruments. PCOS happens when these hormones get a little out of tune, particularly in the ovaries – the part of your body that produces eggs and makes babies. This can cause problems with the way eggs are released.
While scientists are still discovering all the secrets of PCOS, they know that it can be connected to a hormone called androgen, which is usually found in higher amounts in males. If you have too much androgen in your body, it might throw things off balance. Higher levels of androgens can:
Affect ovulation by interfering with signals from the brain that normally result in ovulation.
Cause follicles – small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries in which eggs grow, and mature – to stop developing and to enlarge.
Produce excess hair growth and acne.
PCOS symptoms may also result from having problems with another hormone, insulin. Insulin is important in regulating your body’s sugar (also called glucose) levels by moving sugar from the bloodstream into the cells to use as energy. When there is a problem with insulin, the blood sugar level rises, which causes the body to produce more insulin, just like androgen, having too much insulin can throw things off balance. High levels of insulin increase the production of androgens, which can result in PCOS symptoms. Too much insulin may also increase appetite and lead to weight gain.
Who Can Get PCOS?
About 5 to 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have PCOS. Most women are typically diagnosed in their 20s and 30s if they’re having difficulties getting pregnant. However, PCOS can happen at any age after puberty.
PCOS can affect women of all backgrounds. Sometimes, having extra weight or being insulin deficient can also play a role. This is a trait that can sometimes occur in families. Although obesity is not a direct cause, your risk of PCOS may be higher if you have obesity or if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS.
What Are the Risk Factors for PSOS?
Type 2 Diabetes: A disease that occurs when blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high.
Metabolic Syndrome: A group of risk factors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A disorder that causes pauses in a person’s breathing while they sleep.
Obesity: Defined as an increase in body size and the amount of fat cells in the body.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: A condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, causing heavy menstrual bleeding.
What Are the Signs?
To determine if you have PCOS, your doctor will check that you have at least 2 of the following symptoms:
Missed or irregular periods: This is when your periods don’t show up on time or sometimes don’t show up at all. It’s your body’s way of telling you something might be off.
Higher than normal levels of male hormones: Some people with PCOS notice more hair on their face or body, or alternatively, thinning scalp hair. Acne on your face and body can also be a sign.
Multiple small cysts on the ovaries: With PCOS, you may find that your ovaries have little sacs of fluid on them.
Some women may also experience darkening in body creases, skin folds, skin tags, or weight gain. Difficulty becoming pregnant is also common as PCOS can affect fertility in birthing people. Other common health problems associated with PCOS include high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, diabetes, and gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Remember, everyone’s different. You might have some of these symptoms or all of them. The important thing is to ensure you do additional research and consult with your provider regarding any of your concerns.
Dealing with PCOS
If you think you have PCOS, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. Your provider may recommend some of the following treatment options:
Healthy Habits: Eating well and staying active can help you feel better.
Hair Removal: If you have an overgrowth of hair in places such as your face, there are creams, laser treatments, and waxing that may help with this symptom of PCOS.
Prescription Medication: Doctors might suggest medicines to help control PCOS. Some medications slow the growth of extra hair, while others can help balance your hormones.
Birth Control: Certain types of birth control can help keep your hormones in check, which may help to alleviate some of your PCOS symptoms.
Surgery: Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) is a minor surgical procedure that may be a treatment option for fertility problems associated with PCOS. Studies suggest that this treatment approach is not superior to prescribed medications (such as clomiphene citrate) and is typically only suggested when medications are not working.
PCOS and Pregnancy
If you’re thinking about becoming a mom, PCOS might make your road to pregnancy more challenging. Birthing people with PCOS are three times more likely to experience a miscarriage and are at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia, a larger baby, and premature delivery.
Here are some tips to optimize your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS:
Track your fertility and ovulation cycle.
Maintain a healthy weight. This is recommended before trying medication.
Take supplements, such as folic acid, B6/12, Vitamin C/D/E, or CoQ10 to increase fertility.
Take clomiphene to help increase ovulation (ACOG recommended).
In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
During pregnancy, it is important to continue taking supplements such as folic acid to support your well-being. Your doctor may also recommend taking metformin to help lower blood sugar levels. Metformin can be taken before and during pregnancy, although it may not be best for those who have babies with kidney function issues.
Taking Care After Baby
It’s important to care for yourself and your little one after your baby arrives. Sometimes, PCOS can make things like high blood pressure or postpartum depression more likely. Babies can also have problems with their endocrine and cardiovascular systems due to PCOS during pregnancy.
Speak to a provider about breastfeeding. There are varying ideas about how PCOS and breastfeeding can impact your health. Each individual is unique and it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history and can closely monitor you and your baby. A healthcare provider can also make recommendations around nutrition, an exercise routine, blood sugar checks, or appointments with a lactation consultant.
PCOS might be a little like solving a puzzle. But remember – you’re not alone! With healthy habits, helpful treatments, and support from your healthcare team, you can take charge of your PCOS journey and live a happy, healthy life.
Written by: HMHBGA Communications Department
Reviewed by: Dr. Krista Mincey, MPH, Dr.PH, MCHES