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PCOS  (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, where their ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.

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WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PCOS?

Most women with PCOS experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Periods with irregular frequency (either too few or too many)

  • Heavy periods

  • Acne on your face, chest, or back

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Excessive facial hair

  • Hair loss from your head

  • Skin tags in your armpits or on your neck

  • Areas of darkening skin around your groin or breasts

Excessive facial hair, or hirsutism, affects about 70% of women with PCOS. You may also grow hair on other parts of your body where men typically have hair. PCOS may make it difficult for you to get pregnant, but it’s still possible. It sometimes leads to health complications such as:

  • Miscarriages or premature births

  • Liver inflammation

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Uterine cancer

  • Diabetes 

There is no cure for PCOS, but fortunately, it’s treatable once your doctor identifies it as an underlying condition.

WHAT CAUSES PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however, there are several factors that may play a role:

  • Genetics. PCOS tends to run in families, especially if you have a mother or sister with PCOS or with symptoms like yours. 

  • High levels of androgens.  Having high levels of androgens can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) during each menstrual cycle and can cause extra hair growth and acne.

  • Insulin resistance. The body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, especially those who are overweight or obese, do not get enough physical activity, and have a family history of diabetes, usually Type 2 diabetes.

HOW IS PCOS DIAGNOSED?

In diagnosing PCOS, your doctor is looking for three characteristic features including the absence of ovulation, high levels of androgens, and cysts on the ovaries. Having one or more of these features could lead to a diagnosis of PCOS.

During your consultation, your doctor will:

  • Take a full family history and ask your questions about your menstrual cycle.

  • Conduct a physical exam and look for extra hair growth, acne, and other signs of high levels of the hormone androgen.

  • Take blood samples to test your levels of androgens, cholesterol, and sugar in your blood.

  • Conduct a pelvic exam to check your ovaries. 

  • Recommend an ultrasound to take a picture of your pelvic area.

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