Understanding PCOS: What It Is, Why It Happens And What You Can Do

Key Takeaways:

• What Is PCOS: PCOS is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women's reproductive health, characterized by a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries.¹
• The Factors That Contribute to PCOS: Research suggests that factors such as genetics, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle choices contribute to the development of PCOS, affecting the body's hormonal balance and increasing the risk of symptoms like weight gain and infertility.¹
• How to Manage PCOS Symptoms Effectively: Management of PCOS involves personalized treatment plans, incorporating dietary and lifestyle adjustments and education to empower women to balance their hormonal health effectively.¹

If you've found yourself wondering what Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is and why it seems to be affecting more and more women today, you're not alone. 

PCOS is an endocrine disorder, aka a hormonal disorder. In fact, it’s the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age in the world; as many as 9-18% of women have PCOS, and unfortunately, there is no cure.²

Understanding what PCOS is and why it happens can provide valuable insights into managing and overcoming its symptoms. This knowledge forms the foundation upon which personalized treatment plans can be built, helping you live a wholesome, balanced life.

In this article, we’ll cover what polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is, its common causes, and how it affects the body, as well as treatment options and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms effectively.

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a hormonal disorder prevalent among women of reproductive age.¹ It affects the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.¹ 

Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty with fertility, and a variety of other health concerns.¹

What PCOS Is Characterized By 

PCOS is characterized by a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries create excess hormones called androgens.¹ Additionally, some women who have PCOS also have multiple small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts on the ovaries. 

However, not all women with PCOS have these cysts.¹ PCOS is typically diagnosed when a woman presents a combination of the following symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), and visible cysts on ultrasound.¹

The Influence Of Genetic And Environmental Factors 

PCOS is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors.¹ Insulin resistance and inflammation are also thought to play a significant role in its development.¹ Insulin resistance can cause weight gain and worsen hormonal imbalances. It increases androgen production, which may trigger symptoms like excess facial and body hair, acne, and hair thinning.³

Causes Of PCOS

PCOS is a complex hormonal condition with multiple causes. Here are key factors researchers believe contribute to it:

Genetic Factors

There is a hereditary component to PCOS, as individual genes and gene interactions have been shown to influence predisposition to PCOS development.⁴ However, no consensus on an established genetic marker for PCOS has been reached.⁴

Hormonal Fluctuations

PCOS is characterized by higher than normal levels of androgens, often referred to as "male hormones," although they are present in all women.¹ 

Elevated androgens can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and the characteristic cysts on ovaries.¹ Insulin resistance is another hormonal imbalance often seen in women with PCOS, which can exacerbate symptoms.¹

Lifestyle And Environmental Influences

Diet, physical activity, and overall lifestyle can significantly impact PCOS symptoms.¹ Not exercising, as well as unhealthy eating habits, plays a role in the progression of PCOS.⁵ 

Additionally, environmental factors, such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products, may mimic or interfere with the endocrine system.⁶

Inflammatory Factors

Low-grade inflammation is frequently noted in women with PCOS.¹ Research also suggests that Inflammation can affect insulin levels.⁷ This contributes to the vicious cycle of symptoms experienced in PCOS.

What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of PCOS?

Will explain the common signs to look out for with PCOS, including: 

Irregular Periods

Many women with PCOS experience irregular or absent periods.¹ This irregularity is due to the imbalance in hormone levels that affects ovulation.¹ 

If you frequently skip periods and/or your periods are very irregular (nine or fewer menstrual flows per year and may occur more than 35 days apart), then you could have PCOS.⁸

Excess Androgen

Elevated levels of male hormones can lead to physical signs such as increased facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.¹ Although these symptoms can be distressing, treatments are available to help manage them.

Infertility 

Infertility can be a particularly devastating effect of PCOS, and is extremely common among women with the condition.¹ In fact, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility among women worldwide.¹

Weight Gain

Many women with PCOS find it challenging to maintain a healthy weight. This can be linked to insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS and a condition that over 60% of women with PCOS struggle with.⁹ As an effect of insulin resistance, much of the glucose (energy) from food that a person eats never makes it into the body’s cells but is instead stored as fat.⁹ 

Also, elevated androgen levels in women are linked to obesity due to complex interactions between hormonal regulation and fat tissue behavior.¹⁰

Mood Changes

PCOS may contribute to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.⁸ Addressing these mood disturbances can be as crucial as managing physical symptoms for overall well-being.

Remember: If you're experiencing symptoms of PCOS, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management. 

How Is PCOS Diagnosed? 

1. Irregular Periods 

Period irregularity in women with PCOS is due to the imbalance in hormone levels that affects ovulation.¹ A woman is considered to have irregular periods if she skips periods and/or her periods are very irregular (nine or fewer menstrual flows per year and may occur more than 35 days apart).⁸

2. High Androgen Levels 

High androgen levels play a role in causing PCOS.¹ Your doctor may use a blood test to diagnose high androgen levels, or they may use phenotypic criteria (physical symptoms) to diagnose it.¹ Examples of physical symptoms that might lead to a diagnosis of high androgen levels include cystic/hormonal acne and hirsutism.¹

3. Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic ovaries simply means that your ovaries have more immature egg follicles (cysts) in them than is normal.¹ Enlarged ovaries or polycystic appearance of ovaries on ultrasound could help to come to this conclusion.¹

How Is PCOS Treated?

Managing PCOS involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and personalized strategies to balance hormones and improve overall health. Just remember: it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any treatment plan to ensure it's safe and effective for your specific needs.

Here are some strategies to consider: 

Natural Treatments 

• Diet: maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet can positively influence insulin levels, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms.¹ 
• Exercise: Exercise is an important way that those with PCOS can help to manage their symptoms. Studies show that regular exercise, even something as simple as walking, can help reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health in women with PCOS.¹¹
• Stress Management: Stress can be a contributing factor to the exacerbation of PCOS symptoms. In fact, one study found that individuals with PCOS had a higher prevalence of stress compared to those without the disorder.¹² The researchers concluded that these higher stress levels play a “critical role” in body composition for these individuals.¹²

Medical Treatments

One of the primary medical treatments for PCOS, for women who don’t want to become pregnant, is hormone therapy, often in the form of birth control pills.¹ These can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve acne and hair growth symptoms.¹ 

Doctors might also prescribe medications to address insulin resistance, a common issue linked to PCOS.¹ For women facing fertility challenges, other medications are available to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.¹ However, it’s important for women to discuss these treatment courses with their doctors in order to understand their options. 

Final Thoughts 

Understanding PCOS is the first step toward taking control of this condition. It can be overwhelming to face the challenges posed by PCOS, but remember, you're not alone on this journey. With the right knowledge, support, and lifestyle changes, managing PCOS becomes not only achievable but empowering. 

Read also:

• What Is Endometriosis?
• Healthy Eating For PCOS
• How To Increase Inositol In Your Diet

Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age.¹ It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and difficulties with fertility.¹ The condition can be characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries and an imbalance in reproductive hormones.¹ 

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, medical history, and specific tests.¹ Healthcare providers may conduct blood tests to measure hormone levels and use ultrasound to examine the ovaries.¹ A diagnosis generally involves ruling out other potential causes for the symptoms.

What causes PCOS?

The causes of PCOS are believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.¹ Insulin resistance, which leads the body to produce more insulin, is thought to play a role, as well as increased levels of androgens, which are hormones that produce male traits in females.¹ 

Is PCOS a serious condition?

While PCOS itself is not life-threatening, it can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing other health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.¹ 

Can PCOS be cured?

There is currently no cure for PCOS, but your healthcare providers can help you manage symptoms.¹ Treatments often involve lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, along with medical interventions like hormonal therapies to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms.¹ 

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely but commonly include irregular periods, excessive hair growth on the face and body, acne, thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp, weight gain, and difficulties with fertility.¹ These symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person and over time.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Disclaimer

Sources:

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