What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects one in ten women of reproductive age, is one of the most common endocrine illnesses in women. The biggest issue with PCOS is the hormonal imbalance, coupled with various symptoms and health problems.
Having a wide range of symptoms that might differ from person to person, PCOS is a complex disorder. PCOS’s most typical signs and symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: PCOS can cause infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or the absence of menstrual periods altogether.
- Excessive hair growth: Women with PCOS may develop Hirsutism (excess hair growth). The hair can growth can be on the face, chest, back, abdomen, or legs.
- Acne: Many women with PCOS experience acne or oily skin.
- Weight gain: PCOS can lead to weight gain, and can make it difficult to lose weight.
- Thinning hair: Women with PCOS may experience hair thinning or male-pattern baldness.
- Darkening of the skin: PCOS can cause darkening of the skin, particularly in skin folds like the neck, groin, and armpits.
PCOS is a complex disorder with multiple potential causes. While its exact cause is still unknown, it is believed to be linked to inflammation, genetic factors, and insulin resistance. Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, and women with PCOS often have elevated levels of this hormone. This can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of weight gain and makes weight loss efforts almost impossible.
PCOS can be diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms, medical history, and laboratory testing. Blood tests can be used to measure hormone levels and detect insulin resistance, while ultrasound can evaluate the ovaries for cysts and assess the thickness of the uterine lining.
Treatment for PCOS unfortunately will depend on the woman’s symptoms and goals. Since the effects of PCOS are really wide-ranging, the treatment that is best for you will depend heavily on what symptoms you are experiencing. Questions like, do you want to have kids, do you want to lose weight? You will need to prioritize your health goals. Hormonal birth control can be used to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels. Medications such as metformin can help improve insulin resistance and promote weight loss. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can also be effective in managing PCOS. The truth is that for women with PCOS or any other hormonal imbalance, the only way to manage it is going to be with diet and regular exercise.
In addition to the common symptoms of PCOS, there are a variety of other health concerns associated with the condition. Women with PCOS may be at an increased risk for the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes: Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if they are overweight or have insulin resistance.
- High blood pressure: Women with PCOS may have higher blood pressure than women without the condition.
- High cholesterol: Women with PCOS may have higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Endometrial cancer: Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus.
- Infertility: PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women.
While PCOS is a lifelong condition, with proper management, most women with PCOS can achieve good control of their symptoms and have a healthy and fulfilling life. This is part is true; however, you will have to work harder than most women without this condition to achieve this goal. Proper management is really an oversimplification. Can it be done? YES, it can. You will have to work harder, be more discipline than you have ever been before.
If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. I wish I would have the knowledge I have today on this condition. I could have made different life choices earlier in life. Understanding, that what I have is a lifelong condition and without proper care on day-to-day biases can lead to detrimental consequences. Please speak to a healthcare provider, sooner rather than later. Do not put off that gym, the walk, or that healthier meal choice for later. Understand that you are not alone, you have more help today than ever before.