PCOS & Family History




Your Family history plays an important role in your #PCOS diagnosis!


Author: Ashley Levinson
TWITTER/IG: @PCOSgurl

The cause of #PCOS is unknown. But, #genetics, could play a role.

PCOS tends to run in families; it is important to ask about family history as there are often genetic markers beyond PCOS that may indicate a predisposition to a woman having PCOS such as #diabetes, #cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance.

Women who have a first-degree relative (a sister, mother or daughter) with #PCOS have a 35 to 40%  chance of developing the condition.In fact, some believe if a mother has PCOS and her daughter is showing signs of it, she should be evaluated by her pediatrician or by an endocrinologist for the syndrome.

But, its not just daughters, the sons of women with #PCOS tend to have a greater risk for obesity and diabetes, which are complications of PCOS. Men can also inherit the genetic abnormality that in women would lead to #PCOS with symptoms such as thinning scalp, excess weight centered in abdomen, adult acne, skin tags and dark skin patches... in men it is usually referred to as metabolic syndrome as the do not deal with the reproductive issues of the syndrome.

Finding the proper PCOS diagnosis can be easy if physicians know what to look for... which is why definitive guidelines are so important! Organizations such The AES-PCOS Society, AACE and The Endocrine Society identify these as:

Obtaining blood samples for a variety of hormones, including those produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

A full physical examination and screening for cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin.

Review of family and medical history to identify key genetic and/or enviromental factors that may be contributors to PCOS

An ultrasound to identify follicles/cystic ovaries tg5at follow the "pearl necklace" pattern associated with the syndrome

The mystery has to be solved, due to the fact that PCOS can be associated with a number of serious medical conditions, frequently associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), which in turn leads to PCOS  risks as follows:

50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes T2D by age 45 due to decreased insulin sensitivity

Women with PCOS have a seven fold greater risk for heart disease due to increased cholesterol and triglycerides

Women with PCOS have a four fold risk of stroke due to increased blood pressure

9% increased risk for Endometrial Cancer due to excess estrogen production

High risk for obstructive sleep apnea

There is another factor which impedes PCOS diagnosis....

There is a stigma attached to many of the symptoms of PCOS, which may inhibit a woman from discussing symptoms with her doctor as they cause anxiety and depression, which are prevalent in women with #PCOS.

Therefore, Public information and awareness about the symptoms and the serious nature of the disorder are crucial to identifying women in need of treatment.

We are at a crucial crossroads with PCOS Awareness.. while there has been an increase in media attention and physician awareness... we are still in the dark ages.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a significant health concern that warrants national attention and government support so the 70% of women with #PCOS who are undiagnosed get the proper support, diagnosis, treatment and education so they can live healthier lives with the syndrome.

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