PCOS: What You Need To Know

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, PCOS is often misunderstood. If navigating through irregular periods, troublesome acne, or unexpected weight gain sounds familiar, you could be facing PCOS. This condition is more than mere symptoms; it is a hormonal disorder that introduces its own unique challenges. Let's break it down!

What Are the Characteristics of PCOS?

A common sign of PCOS is hirsutism, which refers to excessive hair growth in unwanted areas such as the chin, lower back, and around the areola. According to studies, as many as 70% of women with PCOS experience this symptom. Another frequent issue includes acne, affecting about 50% of women with the condition. Irregular periods are also typical, with many women only having 4 to 9 menstrual cycles per year.

Weight regulation presents another challenge. Many women with PCOS encounter difficulty due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Reports indicate that nearly 50% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, making weight management a major concern.

When Is Diagnosis Important?

As an adult who is trying to conceive with irregular menstrual cycles, this may be important to treat and target in order to achieve a successful pregnancy. Another reason for ensuring appropriate work up, is due to the possibility of consequences of obtaining fatty liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiac disease etc.

The Lab Work: What Are We Looking For?

Diagnosing PCOS isn’t simply about identifying symptoms; lab tests play a crucial role. Health care providers often check hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estrogen, and assess for insulin resistance. In fact, studies show that 70% of women with PCOS have elevated testosterone levels. It is also important to rule out other metabolic causes which may mimic symptoms of PCOS such as prolactin and thyroid panel.

While ultrasounds might be part of the diagnostic process, they are generally not definitive. They become useful to confirm but seeing cysts on ovaries without clinical symptoms is considered an incidental finding and doesn't not equate to PCOS.

Other than clinical symptoms, bloodwork is used to diagnose PCOS along with excluding other pathologies.

The Importance of Weight Loss

Managing your weight is a crucial part of dealing with PCOS. Interestingly, fat cells produce estrogen, complicating hormonal balance. Achieving a weight loss of just 5% to 10% of your body weight can lead to improvements in both menstrual regulation and symptom severity.

However, losing weight can be challenging. The key is to adopt a healthy, sustainable approach through balanced nutrition and consistent physical activity. Learn more through our weight loss blogs. Weight loss overall is preferred over any medicinal fix as every medication will have a side effect however weight loss only has benefits!

There’s No Magic Pill…But There Are Options!

When it comes to treatment, it's essential to set realistic expectations. There is no single solution for PCOS; instead, treatment is tailored to each woman's specific symptoms.

Oral contraceptives can help regulate hormonal fluctuations and address acne and hirsutism. By stabilizing estrogen and progesterone levels, these medications may restore more regular menstrual cycles. For many women, this can mean fewer than four periods a year transforming into more predictable cycles. Menstrual cycles are important for younger women as not having a menstrual cycle may increase the endometrial lining and a continuous increase in lining may cause abnormal cells. Secondly, due to unpredictable ovulation, a sexually active woman may want to be on birth control to prevent a surprise pregnancy. This option may not be proposed for everyone as it has an increased risk of blood clots which.

If insulin resistance is present, metformin might be recommended. Research shows that metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and, for some, lead to a modest weight loss of about 5 to 10%. In women trying to manage their weight with PCOS, this can be a valuable tool. Details of this could be found in our article: Cheap and Effective Weight Loss Medications. Metformin can also restore menstrual regularity in 30-50% of women and has a huge endometrial protective factor which has been well studied. This is often a second line option after contraceptives.

Another effective option is spironolactone, commonly used as a diuretic but also beneficial for combatting acne and preventing unwanted hair growth. This medication has been reported to reduce hair growth by over 50% in some women.

A Holistic Approach

Beyond medication and weight loss, integrating lifestyle changes can dramatically affect how you manage PCOS. Healthy dietary choices, regular exercise, and effective stress management are essential components of a holistic PCOS management strategy.

Other medications to help along the way to decrease cardiac risks such as statins and anti-hypertensives are important. Even treating sleep apnea is key while we work on out weight loss efforts.

Focusing on Low Glycemic Index (GI) foods is particularly beneficial. These foods cause slow, gradual increases in blood sugar levels, helping manage insulin resistance. Examples include whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. If you need any guidance on these diets/ foods check out our DASH diet and Mediterranean diet blogs.

Incorporating stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also have a positive impact. Given that stress can disrupt hormonal balance, finding effective ways to relax is vital.

Empower Yourself!

PCOS can feel overwhelming, but understanding it is the first step toward empowerment. This journey is not about adhering to a one-size-fits-all solution; it's about discovering what works best for you. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or seeking support from others who truly understand your experience.

As you navigate through PCOS, remember to ask questions and advocate for your health. With the right knowledge and resources, manageable strategies can lead to a healthier, more balanced life. You are not alone in this journey, and there is a supportive community out there waiting for you.