Understanding PCOS: Highlighting the common but often undiagnosed condition of PCOS.
September is officially PCOS Awareness Month and we are going to highlight and explain the common but often undiagnosed condition of PCOS. It’s important to know the ABCs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome so you can actively treat the symtoms.
What is a “Syndrome?
A “syndrome” is defined as “a group of signs and symptoms that occur together to characterize a particular abnormality or situation.”
PCOS is not a disease due to one particular problem. It’s a group of signs and symptoms, women of reproductive age, may experience. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women in their 20’s-30’s and a leading cause of infertility. It is estimated that up to 13% of women in this age group will have PCOS, over 70% who have yet to be diagnosed.
The hallmark symptom flagging PCOS is often “irregular or absent periods”. Due to irregular ovulation, PCOS has been labeled as one of the leading causes of infertility. It is important to note that one may have a regular cycle and still have PCOS.
Medical professionals will diagnose PCOS based on a tool known as The Rotterdam Criteria.
One would need to have two out of the three symptoms to meet a PCOS diagnosis.
- Irregular/Absent Menses
- Elevated Serum Androgen/Testosterone Levels leading to secondary symptoms of
- Unwanted facial hair
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Polycystic Ovaries
The common thread among these three conditions lies in a shared core issue: a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance disrupts the natural progression of ovarian growth and the monthly transformation of immature eggs into fully mature ones, ultimately culminating in the crucial process of ovulation.
As these immature follicles grow and develop yet “fail to launch” and ovulate, they remain stagnant on the surface of the ovaries. This is detected by an ultrasound exam and it will show up as an abundance of immature little follicles; hence the name, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
It is important to note that it takes two out of the three signs and symptoms mentioned above for a PCOS diagnosis thus the assumption that one “looks like” a PCOS patient is an inaccurate assumption.
The Cause
- Genetics
- Insulin Resistance
- Hormonal Imbalance
The Treatment
PCOS is a lifelong condition and while there is no cure it can be managed effectively over years due to lifestyle and medication.
Lifestyle Managment
- Establishing a ‘clean’ diet
- Fitness routine
- Sleep regimen and minimize stress
Pharmacological Treatment:
- Medication Intervention is offered in instances where lifestyle changes do not improve one’s signs and symptoms. It is very important to follow your provider’s medication instructions and advocate for yourself to your provider and nurse with any confusion you may experience.
- The exact medications your provider will prescribe will depend on your current reproductive goal.
- Hormonal birth control: used for women trying to avoid pregnancy
- Ovulation induction: such as Clomid or Letrozole may be used to induce ovulation for PCOS patients looking to get pregnant
- Metformin is often prescribed in the instance of insulin resistance.
Phychological Support:
- A PCOS diagnosis may be very upsetting and difficult to navigate. It is important to reach out to professionals in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology, Womens’ Health and Mental Health. They will support and help you navigate PCOS both physically and psychologically.
Navigating PCOS is challenging. Kim, at The Fertility RN, is here to help you each step of the way. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to learn more about PCOS and managing your signs and symptoms today.
