Millions of women struggle with a medical disorder they don’t even know they have. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the number one cause of infertility among women of childbearing age, and can also put a woman at greater risk of developing other serious, chronic conditions.
PCOS Challenge, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness about the condition and helping women get the resources they need, estimates that 1 in 10 women have PCOS, but that half of them go undiagnosed.
What are the Symptoms?
Classic symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excess facial hair, and weight gain. Doctors are not sure what causes PCOS, but it is believed that higher levels of the male hormone androgen interfere with ovarian function. Research has also shown that women with PCOS often have low-grade inflammation in their bodies, which could be the reason the ovaries develop small, fluid-filled sacs, also known as cysts.
There are no specific medical tests for detecting PCOS. After taking into account all of a patient’s symptoms, the doctor excludes any other possible conditions before diagnosing PCOS. An ultrasound can also be done to provide an image of the ovaries, which in women with PCOS have distinct cysts, appearing like a “string of pearls.”
PCOS symptoms can begin soon after a young woman has her first menstrual period, or they can surface later on during her reproductive years. Heredity also plays a part. Women whose mothers or sisters have PCOS have a much higher chance of developing the syndrome themselves.
Weight Loss is the First Step
In many cases, PCOS manifests after substantial weight gain, which is why Dr. Jeanne Marie Busch, of Gynecology Specialists, a Division of Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care in Chesapeake, Virginia, encourages her patients to lose weight as the first course of treatment.
Weight loss is the mainstay of therapy for women diagnosed with PCOS,” she says.
Because it can be difficult for women with PCOS to shed the excess pounds, Dr. Busch also recommends patients work directly with a nutritionist who is experienced with the syndrome. “When it comes to infertility, losing an average of 20 pounds could mean a significant reduction in a woman’s hormone levels,” she explains, which could help women regain their ovarian function and conceive a child.
When to Consult a Physician
If your menstrual cycles last longer than 35 days, or if you have fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year, you should consult with a medical professional, as those are symptoms of PCOS. Excess hair growth on your chin, upper lip, or neck is called hirsutism and is also a symptom of PCOS. Additional symptoms are adult acne and male pattern baldness.
If you are trying to get pregnant, but are having difficulties conceiving, discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor, including changes in weight. Your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam and will also order bloodwork. If your doctor suspects you have PCOS, he or she will recommend an ultrasound to check the ovaries, as well as the thickness of the uterine lining. Your doctor will tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
For women diagnosed with PCOS, it is more than just a threat to their infertility. Women with PCOS face a greater risk of developing a host of other conditions, including Type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; cholesterol and lipid abnormalities; cardiovascular disease; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe type of fatty liver disease; sleep apnea; depression and anxiety; abnormal uterine bleeding; gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure; as well as cancer of the uterine lining.
Currently there is no cure for PCOS. In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle through changes in diet and exercise, birth control pills are another effective treatment option for women who are not trying to get pregnant. For women who do want to become pregnant, metformin, a drug normally used to treat diabetes, could also help.
For more information, visit www.pcoschallenge.org.