PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a relatively common medical issue affecting the endocrine system. The condition may put patients at higher risk of specific health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. 

However, what is polycystic ovary syndrome exactly? PCOS refers to a hormonal imbalance originating from the ovaries (the organ responsible for egg production. More specifically, with PCOS, the ovaries produce an excess of male hormones (androgens), often leading to irregular periods, missed periods, and hard-to-predict ovulation patterns. Furthermore, small cysts may also develop in the ovaries because of anovulation (or the lack of ovulation).

As a matter of fact, polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most prevalent female infertility causes and may also lead to other health complications. 

Our experts on obstetrics and gynecology from South Miami, Florida, have created an overview article on this condition, which also discusses the most prevalent PCOS symptoms, and possible treatment options based on the patient’s symptoms and preferences. 

Who Can Get PCOS? 

Unfortunately, women may develop the condition any time after reaching puberty, with most patients receiving a diagnosis between their 20s and 30s when trying to conceive. Experts also state that overweight or obese people may have a higher chance of developing PCOS if they have a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome. 

The condition is very common, with up to 15% of women in the reproductive age group having it.  

PCOS Symptoms and Causes 

Woman Hands On Front Stomach Painful

The exact causes of the condition are unknown, but evidence suggests that genetic factors may play a role. On the other hand, other risk factors for the development of PCOS include:

  • Higher androgen hormone levels: the presence of these hormones prevents the ovaries from ovulation which leads to irregularities in one’s menstrual cycles. High androgen levels can also lead to cyst development on the ovaries and may cause excess hair growth and acne in women. 
  • Insulin resistance: Increased insulin levels may also lead to the elevated production of androgens contributing to developing PCOS symptoms. 
  • Low-grade inflammation: Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome also tend to suffer from chronic low-grade inflammation. 

Regarding PCOS symptoms, the most prevalent signs of the condition include the following:

  • Abnormal menstruation: missing periods, heavy bleeding during menstruation, or missing periods altogether.
  • Acne and abnormal hair growth: these PCOS symptoms result from increased androgen levels. 
  • Obesity: most women (around 80%) are also overweight or obese and experience difficulties when trying to lose weight. 
  • Thinning hair: as a result of increased androgen levels, women may start losing patches of hair. 
  • Skin darkening and skin tags: women with PCOS may develop dark skin patches or extra flaps around the neck or armpits. Darkening may also occur under the breasts and the groin area. 
  • Cysts: a more significant number of women with PCOS also develop small fluid-filled sacks in their ovaries. 
  • Infertility: the condition is a common cause of infertility in women because of the decreased ovulation frequency. 

Sometimes, women may have the condition without any symptoms. Many women don’t even realize they have PCOS until they experience difficulties while trying to conceive. The symptoms could also be mild enough so people won’t notice them. 

Diagnosis

If your healthcare provider suspects that you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, they may order a blood test and perform an ultrasound to help establish a diagnosis. Furthermore, they will also: 

  • Discuss your symptoms and your and your family’s medical history. 
  • Check your blood pressure and weight.
  • Perform a physical exam looking for acne, signs of hair loss, excess facial hair, skin tags, and patches of discolored skin. 
  • Perform a pelvic exam to check whether the ovaries are swollen and look for other uterine growths.
  • Order blood tests to check your glucose and hormone levels.
  • Perform a pelvic ultrasound to check the thickness of the uterine lining and look for any ovarian cysts.

PCOS Treatment

After answering the question, “what is polycystic ovary syndrome,” it’s time to discuss possible treatment options.

For the most part, the PCOS treatment will depend on your medical history, symptoms, other health conditions, and whether you want to get pregnant. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or a combination of the above. 

In case you don’t want to become pregnant, treatments can include the following:

  • Taking insulin-sensitizing medicine, like metformin, to control and help how the body processes insulin. Once insulin management takes place, some patients see improvements in their periods.
  • Taking hormonal birth control, like birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, shots, or patches. These birth control methods help regulate the menstrual cycle, help with excess hair growth, and can improve acne symptoms. 
  • Lifestyle changes: Eating healthy foods and losing weight can also help manage your insulin levels.
  • Taking androgen-blocking medications. Some drugs can block the androgenic effects, helping to keep PCOS-induced hair growth and acne under control.

If you want to have a baby now or in the future, PCOS treatment may include the following: 

  • Taking ovulation-inducing drugs. As every successful pregnancy starts with ovulation, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication that can help your ovaries release an egg. Letrozole and clomiphene are oral substances; others can be injectables like gonadotropins.
  • IVF or In Vitro fertilization. The egg is fertilized with the sperm of your partner in a lab and then placed into your uterus. IVF may be a suitable option if drugs don’t seem to improve ovulation.
  • Surgery. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that can help trigger ovulation. This type of surgery removes the tissue from the ovaries that produce the androgens. Because medications are becoming more effective, surgeons rarely perform this procedure. 

Complications

A Model of the Female Reproductive System in the Background Is a Girl in a Doctor S Office With Irregular Periods.

Addressing PCOS and related symptoms should be a priority for affected women, as it may increase the risk of the development of other health conditions, including: 

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Endometrial hyperplasia
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
  • Anxiety and depression

It’s also important to note that menopausal changes in the hormonal system may make PCOS go away, but it won’t always happen. Also, there’s no scientifically proven way to prevent the condition, but patients can take several steps to reduce the accompanying symptoms. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and effective weight management can help avoid the severe effects of PCOS. 

Professional Help Can Make All the Difference

As you can see, polycystic ovary syndrome can greatly affect a women’s quality of life and may hinder their family-planning efforts. The condition is a common cause of infertility and links to other diseases. If you are experiencing any signs of PCOS or suspect that you may have it, consult with your healthcare provider to establish a proper diagnosis. Fortunately, medical treatments and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and lower the risk of other health conditions. 

That said, if you are looking for options regarding pediatric and adolescent gynecology care In South Miami, Florida, feel free to reach out to us.