Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition linked to hormonal imbalances that affect the functioning of a woman’s ovaries and can cause a variety of symptoms. However, it often remains undiagnosed for years and general awareness about the condition is still relatively low.
As we approach World PCOS Day on September 1, which also marks the beginning of PCOS Awareness Month, we’ve consulted with women’s health and hormone specialists to shed some light on this topic. Here are some crucial facts every woman, partner and family member should be aware of regarding PCOS.
What exactly is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease
“PCOS is not a disease but a syndrome, meaning it is a collection of specific symptoms that can vary significantly from one individual to another,” explains Hannah Alderson, a hormone specialist and registered nutritionist. “The syndrome is characterised by issues with hormonal production, particularly an overproduction of testosterone, cortisol and insulin, and an underproduction of oestrogen and serotonin.”
The Rotterdam criteria is used to diagnose PCOS
There isn’t a single definitive test doctors can use to determine if someone has PCOS. Jodie Relf, a dietitian specialising in PCOS and spokesperson for supplement brand MyOva, explains that to be diagnosed with PCOS, individuals generally need to meet two of the following three criteria:
- Elevated androgens can be diagnosed through blood tests or physical signs such as excess facial hair and acne
- Ovulatory dysfunction is indicated by irregular or absent periods
- Polycystic ovaries are diagnosed using an internal scan
Relf added: “As part of diagnosing PCOS, it is also important to test other parameters to rule out any other conditions (such as premature ovarian failure, hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinaemia) that may be causing the ‘PCOS-like’ symptoms,”.
The impact of PCOS varies from person to person
Common symptoms include facial acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, anovulation or irregular cycles, but women affected can experience the condition differently, explains Relf.
“It’s really important to remember that the symptoms show up differently for everyone, which is why PCOS requires a personalised approach to be managed effectively,” she says. “Yes, some with PCOS will struggle with their weight and ‘abdominal obesity’, however there is large percentage of those with PCOS who are in smaller bodies and don’t have issues with their weight.”
Some symptoms may be more vague, such as headaches, mood changes, sleep problems and depression. Fatigue and tiredness are also common, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Managing weight can be challenging with PCOS
“One of the biggest misconceptions about PCOS is that overweight women with PCOS are lazy and just need to eat less, which is not ‘true’,” Alderson clarifies. “Due to the metabolic nature of PCOS, it can be extremely difficult to lose weight, and very easy to gain it. Another myth is that losing weight will solve PCOS, but solely losing weight does not address the root cause.”
Despite the challenges, pregnancy is still achievable with PCOS
“It is incorrect to believe that women with PCOS cannot fall pregnant; while it may be more challenging, it is possible to have a family with PCOS,” Alderson reassures.
“PCOS can impact fertility because if you’re not ovulating, you won’t naturally fall pregnant, making PCOS a leading cause of infertility,” Alderson explains. “However, it is not a definitive sentence of infertility. By addressing the root causes of PCOS, a woman’s chances of falling pregnant can be positively impacted.”
PCOS is manageable
The management of PCOS can differ for each individual, but a blend of medication and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and exercise can help alleviate the severity of the symptoms.
“There are a number of ways in which PCOS can be treated. These include making lifestyle changes to lose weight (if necessary) and eating more high-fibre foods to address insulin resistance, whilst reducing consumption of refined carbs and sugar,” advises women’s health expert Dr Shirin Lakhani. “Exercising daily can also help, as can taking steps to reduce stress.”
“People with PCOS can also be prescribed medication to help regulate periods and decrease insulin resistance, as well as to address excessive facial hair and acne. If you’re concerned that you may have PCOS, it’s important to seek medical advice and support.”