Everything you should know about PCOS

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting six per cent to 12 per cent of US women of reproductive age but, according to the CDC, it’s a lot more than that. This lifelong health condition continues far beyond the child-bearing years. Here, we look at everything you should know about it.

 

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries. However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts.

Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles that are up to 8mm (approximately 0.3in) in size.

The follicles are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.

The three main features of the condition are:

• irregular periods
• excess androgen
• polycystic ovaries

If you have at least two of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms may include:

• Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
• Ovaries that are large or have many cysts
• Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Acne or oily skin
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• Infertility
• Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is not clear. Many women with the condition have insulin resistance. This means the body can’t use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.

PCOS may also run in families. It’s common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have it.

Genes, insulin resistance and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production.

What are the complications of PCOS?

Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and uterine cancer.

Women with the condition also tend to have difficulty getting pregnant.

How is PCOS treated?

There’s no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated.

According to the NHS website, if you have PCOS and you are overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can make some symptoms better. Medicines are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.

If fertility medicines are not effective, a surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.

This involves using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that’s producing androgens, such as testosterone. With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.

When should I seek help?

Experts recommend to see your doctor if your body has skipped periods, or you have other symptoms like hair growth on your face or body. Also, you should see a doctor if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or more without success.