Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common but most misunderstood hormonal disorders affecting women. It’s estimated that up to 1 in 10 women have PCOS, though many remain undiagnosed due to the condition’s wide range of symptoms (CDC, 2023). PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder with deep implications for metabolic, reproductive, and emotional health.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts ovulation. People with PCOS typically produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens that interfere with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation (NIH, 2022). Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has literal ovarian cysts. The “polycystic” part of the name refers to follicles that form on the ovaries due to halted ovulation.

Common Symptoms of PCOS:

PCOS symptoms often begin around puberty, but can vary dramatically depending on each person. The most common signs include irregular or absent periods, excess facial or body hair, acne, oily skin, thinning scalp hair, weight gain, infertility, and darkened patches of skin. These symptoms can take a toll on women mentally, emotionally, and physically. In fact, people with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than the general population (March et al., 2010).

What Caused PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but researchers believe that it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It has been recognized that women with PCOS tend to have insulin resistance (their bodies struggle to use insulin effectively), which can lead to elevated insulin levels that trigger excess androgen production (Teede et al., 2010).

Long-Term Health Risks

PCOS is a reproductive issue and a metabolic one. Women with PCOS are at increased risk for several chronic health conditions:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance is present in up to 70% of those with PCOS (Legro et al., 2013), putting them at high risk for developing diabetes.

• Heart Disease: High cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and obesity can contribute to a greater risk for cardiovascular disease (Wild et al., 2010).

• Endometrial Cancer: The build up of uterine lining can increase the risk of endometrial cancer (Barry et al., 2011).

How Can You Prevent PCOS?

You can’t prevent PCOS entirely since genetics and prenatal factors can be a factor in being diagnosed with the condition (Teede et al., 2010). However, lifestyle choices can change how symptoms are managed.

Prevention & Management Strategies

The most effective way to manage PCOS is through a combination of lifestyle changes that include:

1. Regular Exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and supports hormone regulation. Try to complete at least 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days a week (ACOG, 2023).

2. Balanced Diet: A low-glycemic diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables plus fruits can stabilize blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Limiting processed carbs and added sugars is consistently recommended for prevention (Moran et al., 2013).

3. Weight Management: Modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can improve menstrual regularity and lower androgen levels (Legro et al., 2013).

4. Medication: Doctors can prescribe hormonal birth control to regulate periods and reduce acne or hair growth.

5. Mental Health Support: Counseling or therapy may be important for managing body image, depression, and anxiety that often accompany PCOS.

Importance of Awareness:

Too many people go years without a diagnosis and blame their symptoms on stress or “normal” period issues. The reality is that early recognition of PCOS can improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

With the right tools, you can take back control. Whether it’s making small changes to your diet, moving your body consistently, asking your doctor the right questions, or simply realizing that you are not alone—progress is completely possible. Understanding the condition is the first step toward empowerment and better health.

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Resources:

Barry, J. A., Azizia, M. M., & Hardiman, P. J. (2011). The Effect of Obesity on the Reproductive Health of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 118(8), 899–908. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02918.x

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html

Legro, R. S., Arslanian, S. A., Ehrmann, D. A., Hoeger, K. M., Murad, M. H., Pasquali, R., & Welt, C. K. (2013). Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(12), 4565–4592. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-2350

Moran, L. J., Ko, H., Misso, M., Marsh, K., Noakes, M., Talbot, M., … & Teede, H. J. (2013). Dietary Composition in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(4), 520–545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.018

National Institutes of Health. (2022). What is PCOS?. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos

Teede, H. J., Misso, M. L., Costello, M. F., Dokras, A., Laven, J., Moran, L., … & Norman, R. J. (2010). Recommendations from the International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Australian Family Physician, 39(3), 129–135. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2010/march/pcos-guideline

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions: Polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome