What is PCOS?
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
It is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body.
PCOS can lead to various health issues, including infertility, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
To be diagnosed with PCOS, typically you must have 2 of the following 3 symptoms: cystic ovaries on ultrasound, androgenic features like acne and male pattern hair growth, and irregular cycles.
What symptoms may I feel?
Women with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, including irregular or absent menstrual periods, excessive hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), severe acne, and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
Other symptoms may include thinning hair on the scalp, darkening of the skin in certain areas, and difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Some women may also experience mood swings, depression, and anxiety as a result of the condition.
What treatments are available?
Treatment for PCOS often focuses on managing individual symptoms. I always reccomend a lifestyle first approach, coaching patients to examine their eating and movement habits.
With PCOS, a few subtle lifestyle changes can go a long way! If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, estrogen/progestin birth control pills are commonly prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels, thereby alleviating symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
This also reduces the risk of endometrial overgrowth (hyperplasia) which can lead to cancer. Metformin, a medication typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, can also help manage insulin resistance, a common issue in PCOS.
For those struggling with infertility, fertility medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation. We have many treatment options available depending on your goals in this season of life.
For example, if you are sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy – birth control pills are a great tool to balance the hormones for optimal quality of life. If you are interested in conceiving – metformin and ovulation induction often works great.
I also recommend close cycle tracking including bleeding patterns and symptoms of insulin resistance and hirsutism so you can be prepared to share this with your doctor and make the best plan for you.
What lifestyle choices can I make?
Lifestyle modifications are a critical part of managing PCOS. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity.
A diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is beneficial. Fasting can be very beneficial in some cases, review this with your doctor or nutritionist!
Regular exercise, such as aerobic activities and strength training, can help manage weight and reduce insulin resistance. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling can also be helpful, as stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Monitoring and managing mental health is equally important, as the emotional impact of PCOS can be significant.
What innovations exist for PCOS and what does the future of healthcare look like for patients suffering from this condition?
Many great apps have been developed to track cycles, hormones, and ovulation and I find these helpful in some instances, especially when closely monitoring ovulation with the goal of conceiving.
Warning though, many of these apps can be very expensive and not all have robust data to support their claims. Review these options with your doctor, as it is a tool to enhance your visits and care plan, but often not enough to manage PCOS and infertility alone.
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