Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. Living with it can be challenging, but with thorough understanding, ongoing support and proactive management, women can lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding PCOS

PCOS is known to affect between 8 and 13% of women of childbearing age and has profound effects on women’s health and quality of life¹. It is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are generally present in women in small amounts². Although the causes of PCOS have not been clearly diagnosed due to its complexity, being overweight can worsen the severity of the condition³.

Get to know the symptoms

PCOS manifests itself differently in each individual. It generally appears in childhood, then evolves during adolescence and adulthood⁴. This condition can affect individuals both physically and mentally and can fluctuate over time.

1. Irregular menstrual cycles with heavy, long flow and absent periods¹.
2. Excess of androgen hormones leading to abnormal facial or body hair growth and acne⁵.
3. Appearance of polycystic ovaries that contain several of small cysts, disrupting the normal ovulation process².
4. Difficulty in conceiving or infertility in some women, and even miscarriage in others².
5. Inappropriate weight gain, particularly around the belly¹.
6. Increased insulin levels or insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes⁵.
7. Abnormal cholesterol levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease⁵.
8. Increase risk for endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the uterus) ¹.
9. Create anxiety, depression and negative body image due to its symptoms¹.

How to diagnose PCOS?

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of long-term complications. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms. A diagnosis can be made when you have at least two of the following: irregular periods, androgen excess or polycystic ovaries ⁶. Therefore, physical examination, pelvic examination, ultrasound or even blood tests may be necessary to check the health of your organs, both inside and outside your body². Ultrasound will help identify cysts and determine the thickness of the lining of the uterus, while the blood tests can diagnose any signs of diabetes or cholesterol².

Reducing the risk of complications

It is important to remind that there is no cure for PCOS, but some treatments can help improve symptoms¹. For example:

• Adopting a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activities can help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. They can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood sugar levels and facilitate ovulation².
• Taking birth control medicines (contraceptive pills) to control your menstrual cycles and regulate androgen-related symptoms (taken as advice and prescribed by your doctor) ².
• Reducing your insulin resistance by taking diabetes medication (taken as advice and prescribed by your doctor) ².
• Prioritizing self-care and create supportive environment that encourages empathy, whether you are surrounded by family, friends or healthcare professionals.

Prevention is better than cure! Don't wait any longer. Consult your doctor if you're concerned about your periods, if you're having trouble getting pregnant or if you're showing signs of androgen excess to discuss about the best ways of treating the symptoms that are bothering you.

List of references:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (no date) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome (Accessed: 26 March 2024).
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2022) Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20a%20very%20common,%2C%20infertility%2C%20and%20weight%20gain. (Accessed: 26 March 2024).
3. Azziz, R. (2018) ‘Polycystic ovary syndrome’, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(2), pp. 321–336. doi:10.1097/aog.0000000000002698.
4. Joham, A.E. et al. (2022) ‘Polycystic ovary syndrome’, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(9), pp. 668–680. doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00163-2.
5. Lim, S.S. et al. (2019) ‘Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(3). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007506.pub4.
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2022) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439 (Accessed: 27 March 2024).