September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age and yet many women do not know what it is or if they have it. Some of the symptoms can be hard to connect back to PCOS or may be embarrassing to talk about with a healthcare provider. Women with PCOS or suspect they have PCOS need to know that they are not alone, and it is a manageable condition for most.
What is PCOS?
PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in the United States. It is a hormonal disorder that results in a greater production of androgens or male hormones. This hormone imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms ranging in severity. Weight gain, irregular periods, acne, skin tags, excess body hair, and ovarian cysts are all possible symptoms. It can cause infertility by interfering with a woman’s ability to ovulate. It can also cause low breastmilk supply in breastfeeding women.
What are the causes?
The causes of PCOS are not fully known, but research has shown that insulin resistance plays a role. Insulin resistance prevents the body from storing glucose, or blood sugar, in the muscles. Higher levels of blood sugar may contribute to the greater production of androgens. Some research demonstrates that PCOS is a family disorder, with female family members all having the condition or being more likely to have it.
How is it diagnosed?
PCOS is often diagnosed based on symptoms. Physical and pelvic exams may be completed to check for physical health. Ultrasounds and blood tests may also be completed depending on whether other conditions such as high cholesterol exist.
How is it treated?
PCOS can be treated using both lifestyle changes and medications. Some women are able to control their symptoms with changes to diet and exercise. Many women find success with increasing fruit and vegetable intake while decreasing high sugar and highly processed foods. A lower carbohydrate diet may also improve insulin resistance. Lifting weights will also improve insulin resistance and may help decrease symptoms. Weight loss, if needed, has been shown to improve symptoms.
Medication may be required to treat PCOS. Diabetes medication like metformin may be used to improve insulin resistance and aide in weight loss. Medications to induce ovulation may be used if a woman plans to become pregnant. Oral contraceptives may be prescribed if a woman does not plan to become pregnant.
If you feel you have symptoms, it is important to meet with your healthcare provider and discuss what you are experiencing.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
