What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and How Can It Be Treated?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common medical condition seen in women of childbearing age (15-44). PCOS alters the normal menstrual cycle and causes a variety of symptoms.

According to studies, more than 70% of women with PCOS have not yet been diagnosed since the symptoms may be too subtle to detect.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome.

The causes of PCOS

Scientists are still uncertain about the exact causes that lead to PCOS. However, they managed to pinpoint the following risk factors:

Insulin resistance

The vast majority of patients with PCOS present with insulin resistance, which is the primary driver of type II diabetes.

For this reason, patients with PCOS may greatly benefit from dietary changes and exercise to lose weight and control their blood sugar levels. Subsequently, the symptoms of PCOS start to gradually disappear.

Additionally, many PCOS patients benefit from taking metformin (a drug used for diabetic patients).

Inflammation

Obesity is the number one cause of systemic inflammation, which increases the risk of PCOS.

Family history 

In a 2005 study, scientists found that patients with a family history of PCOS are more likely to develop this condition than those with no family history.

Another group of scientists published a paper in 2016, suspecting several genes that lead to PCOS.

What are the types of PCOS?

Insulin resistant PCOS 

Insulin-resistant PCOS is the most common type. It affects approximately 70% of patients with PCOS.

When the cells become resistant to the action of insulin, the pancreas needs to pump more of this hormone into the blood. People with insulin-resistant PCOS are generally overweight and experience symptoms of brain fog and fatigue.

Post-pill PCOS 

This occurs in people when they stop taking oral contraceptive drugs. 

Stopping the intake of Ginet, Yasmin, and Yaz is usually responsible for this type of PCOS. You see, when you are no longer taking progesterone-based pills, your ovaries will see a surge of androgens (i.e., male hormones) that lead to acne, excess hair growth, and irregular periods.

Adrenal PCOS

Adrenal PCOS is due to an abnormal stress response that affects 10% of PCOS patients. The hormone DHEA-S is usually elevated alone.

To get diagnosed with this condition, you will most likely need to see an endocrinologist who specializes in hormonal disorders.

Inflammatory PCOS

When chronic inflammation promotes the excess section of testosterone, inflammatory PCOS sets in.

Some signs and symptoms of inflammatory PCOS include:

• Headaches

• Joint pain

• Skin problems (e.g., eczema)

• Irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms of PCOS

As the name implies, PCOS is characterized by a substantial number of cysts that cover the ovaries along with:

• High levels of androgens (male hormones)

• Irregular menses

These three findings make up the classic triad of PCOS symptoms, which lead to further complications.

For instance, the high levels of testosterone-derivative hormones lead to acne and excessive hair production in females. Additionally, the interrupted menses and cysts cause reversible infertility.

Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty getting pregnant 

• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back

• Weight gain

• Thinning hair

• Oily skin or acne

Diagnosis of PCOS

To diagnose PCOS, doctors need to identify at least two of the following symptoms:

• High androgen levels

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Cysts in the ovaries

Your doctor will also ask about other symptoms, such as acne, body hair, and weight fluctuations.

The next step would be a pelvic exam to evaluate any problems in the reproductive tract. Your doctor will insert their fingers inside the vagina to look for any abnormal growths.

When the physical exam is complete, it is time to test your hormone levels (e.g., cholesterol, insulin, androgens).

Finally, an ultrasound may be used to assess for abnormal follicles and other problems affecting the ovaries and uterus.

This table summarizes key aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Aspect

Details

Definition

A hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women. It causes ovarian cysts, high androgen levels, and irregular periods.

Causes

70-80% of cases are linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetics.

Symptoms

Irregular periods (affects 85% of cases), acne, excess hair growth (70%), weight gain (50%), and infertility.

Diagnosis

Clinical symptoms, hormone tests, and ultrasound (detects ovarian cysts in about 75% of cases).

Treatment

Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, diet), medications (e.g., metformin, contraceptives), and skincare.

Complications

Diabetes (50% risk), infertility (40%), and heart disease.

Treatment of PCOS

Patients with PCOS can benefit from lifestyle modifications, including more exercise and healthier dietary choices. 

Moreover, drugs such as metformin, oral contraceptives, and clomiphene can also be beneficial.

However, you can still address PCOS-induced acne by taking better care of your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does PCOS affect the pregnant woman and her baby

Pregnant women with PCOS may undergo miscarriage or early loss of pregnancy. According to research, pregnant women with PCOS are three times as likely to miscarry in the early months.

Will removing the ovaries get rid of PCOS?

Yes. 

Removing the ovaries means that there is no chance for abnormal cystic growths to occur in the ovaries.

What is the relationship between age and PCOS?

While being close to menopause translates to regular menstrual cycles, it does not necessarily mean that your symptoms will improve. This is because the hormonal imbalances persist despite advanced age.

How does PCOS affect menstruation?

PCOS leads to hormonal imbalances that irregulate your menstrual cycles.

What is the impact of PCOS on pregnancy chances?

PCOS is one of the most common irreversible causes of infertility in women. Due to the irregular menstrual cycle and the defective growth of follicles, the chances of pregnancy are substantially lower.

What you should and should not eat?

If you have PCOS, here is a list of foods that may help with your condition:

• Natural, unprocessed foods

• High-fiber foods

• Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel)

• Kale

• Spinach

• Broccoli 

• Cauliflower

• Dark red fruits (e.g., red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, cherries)

Foods to avoid include:

• Refined carbohydrates (e.g., white bread)

• Fried foods

• Sugary beverages (e.g., sodas, energy drinks)

• Processed meats (e.g., hot dogs, sausages)

• Solid fats (e.g., margarine, shortening)

Can you use a fertility monitor when you have PCOS?

Using a fertility monitor when you have PCOS will not do you much good. The irregular menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances make this step futile.

How does PCOS affect breastfeeding?

Women with PCOS tend to have excess estrogen levels in their bloodstream, which interferes with lactation.

To increase your chances of successful breastfeeding, speak with a certified lactation consultant after giving birth.

Takeaway message

PCOS is an extremely prevalent condition that affects millions of women around the world. It is the number one reversible cause of infertility.

We hope that this article managed to introduce PCOS, as well as its common causes, symptoms, and treatments.