Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common health issues women face that is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. This syndrome affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. With PCOS, small follicles may develop on the ovaries and the eggs may fail to release every month. One of the most common signs is having an irregular menstrual cycle characterized by less than nine periods a year or more than 35 days between each period. Another major symptom includes having excess levels of androgen which, physically, is shown through hirsutism, severe acne, and male pattern baldness. Women with PCOS have also shown signs of weight gain, darkening of skin, and skin tags.

The biggest effect of PCOS is infertility in women. The hormonal imbalance interferes with the ovulation cycle making it difficult for women to get pregnant. While the syndrome does make it harder to get pregnant, women could still achieve pregnancy through tracking their ovulation cycle, making lifestyle changes, and working closely with their physician. Some other health issues that PCOS is linked to include diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and endometrial cancer. Though there is not an exact cause for PCOS, most people believe it is multifactorial. Some of the factors that can play a role in the development of PCOS are genetics, high levels of androgens, excessive insulin production, and low-grade inflammation.

There are no definitive tests or cures when it comes to diagnosing and treating PCOS. Its diagnosis is usually through exclusion where the physician may use a physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests. Even though there is no cure for PCOS, it is still important to manage the symptoms of the syndrome as well as the other health issues linked. Many physicians recommend implementing healthy eating habits and regular physical exercise to help lower blood glucose levels and allow hormones to reach normal levels. Studies have shown that a 10% loss in body weight can help with making the menstrual cycle more regular which increases one’s chances of getting pregnant. Additionally, hormonal birth control and anti-androgen medications can help with acne and excessive hair growth.

The struggle with infertility, weight gain, and dermatological symptoms takes a huge emotional toll on women with PCOS. A recent study showed that 40% of women with PCOS experience depressive symptoms. Moreover, the suicide rate for women with PCOS was seven times higher than that of women without this syndrome. The excessive levels of androgen can also contribute to the higher rates of mood disorders seen in women with PCOS. Overall, it is just as important to treat depressive and mood disorders as much as the symptoms related to PCOS itself.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2020, October 3). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

Office on Women's Health. (2022). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome | Office on Women's Health. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Sadeeqa, S., Mustafa, T., & Latif, S. (2018). Polycystic ovarian syndrome-related depression in adolescent girls: A Review. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5998697/