PCOS Q & A

 

Author: @PCOSgurl

11/6/21

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women and ftm transgender males. It is a metabolic syndtome that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences, if left untreated. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility in women. Emerging research is also identifying the important roles of insulin receptors and chronic inflammation's role in PCOS.


What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. While no two patients may have the same symptoms of PCOS, they are likely to include any or all of the following:

·       Infertility

·       Irregular or absent periods

·       Excess hair growth on face and body

·       Male-Pattern hair thinning

·       Acne

·       Obesity

·       Lipid Abnormalities

.       Mood Disorders

.       Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If a patient has two or more of these symptoms, she should go to a physician, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, general practitioner or OBGYN for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms.

Is PCOS life-threatening?

While there is no immediate threat to your health with PCOS, PCOS can be associated with a number of serious medical conditions if left untreated and mismanaged. PCOS is frequently associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), which in turn may lead to an increased risk of adult on-set diabetes mellitus, stroke and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can also be associated with uterine and endometrial cancers.


How many patients are affected by PCOS?

It is estimated that approximately 10-21%
of females and ftm transgender males may have PCOS, with some researchers suggesting that the number may higher in certain countries and populations.

This means we are now 1 in 5 as opposed to previous numbers of 1 in 10


What Causes PCOS?

The susceptibility to PCOS is often inherited, however the precise cause is unknown. Research continues with focus on insulin, inflammation and environmental factors which all may be contributing factors in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome.


How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is often a diagnosis of exclusion.

While many physicians diagnose a woman with PCOS based on the symptoms alone, confirmation of the diagnosis requires 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, trygleceride, glucose and insulin should also be part of a complete evaluation.

A medical history to show patterns including menstrual cycle irregularity, weight fluctuations and skin and hair issues.

An ultrasound to confirm whether or not the patient may have cystic and/or enlarged ovaries.


Is PCOS a gynecological or an endocrinological disorder?

One could argue PCOS is both reproductive and metabolic.

Since many of the symptoms involve a woman’s reproductive system, PCOS is often mistaken for being a solely gynecological disorder as it can affect the reproductive system.

It is, however, a disorder of the endocrine system, involving hormones, metabolism and hormone production that encompass multiple endocrine organs and affects multiple body systems.


Is there an overall treatment for PCOS?

Unfortunately, at the present time doctors can only treat the individual symptoms of PCOS, rather than the entire syndrome. 

Once diagnosed, in most patients it can be managed effectively to help patients lead healthier and more satisfying lifestyles.  
In the meantime, research continues to determine the cause and look for new and better treatments for PCOS.  


Are there other issues related to PCOS?

There is often a stigma attached to many of the symptoms of PCOS, particularly facial and body hair, infertility and obesity.

Some women may even suffer from depression or anxiety as a result of the symptoms and hormone imbalance.
Patients with PCOS need emotional and social support to deal with the effects of this condition on their lives. Research has shown that a strong network of friends and family greatly enhances an individual’s ability to cope with the distressing effects of the syndrome.


Why is public awareness of PCOS so critical?

The symptoms of PCOS can vary significantly between patients, therefore a patient often does not realize they may have the syndrome.

Public information and awareness about the symptoms and the serious nature of the syndrome are crucial to identifying patients in need of treatment.

As it stands up to 70% of patients with PCOS remain undiagnosed.

In addition, for patients to make informed decisions about their health management, the information upon which they base their decisions should be accurate, current, based upon well-performed research studies, and obtained from well-informed and well-trained physicians and other health providers.

This information must be easy for the general public to find and understand. There are many sources of information available on the internet please visit us to learn more.