Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a common condition that affects women’s hormones. It can have negative effects on menstrual periods, skin, hair, and fertility. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women. Keep reading to learn more about this hormonal disorder, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that can occur in women. It’s caused by the ovaries creating excess hormones, which results in unusually high levels of androgens (male hormones). High levels of these hormones can disrupt the balance of your reproductive hormones. For many women, this leads to a lack of ovulation and can cause small follicle cysts on the ovaries. These cysts are not usually dangerous or painful. Despite the name, however, you do not need to have cysts on your ovaries to have polycystic ovary syndrome. An estimated 15 percent of women of reproductive age have this hormonal disorder.
What Causes PCOS?
Women can get PCOS any time after puberty, and most are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they are trying to conceive. The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not always known. However, there is evidence that genetics often play a role. Other risk factors may be involved, the most significant one being obesity. Insulin resistance may also be a factor. Increased insulin levels may cause the ovaries to make and release more androgens, and these male hormones suppress ovulation and contribute to other PCOS symptoms. Women with PCOS often tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation as well.
Types of PCOS
There are four common types of PCOS, and they are:
- Insulin-Resistant PCOS: This is one of the most common types of PCOS, and it is caused by high insulin levels in the body or metabolic syndrome. High insulin levels lead to an increased production of androgen, and high androgen can cause many symptoms of PCOS as well as brain fog, weight gain, and excessive thirst.
- Inflammatory PCOS: This type of PCOS results from inflammation. Inflammation can prevent ovulation, which will cause increased androgen in the body and an imbalance of hormones. Inflammatory PCOS often has unique symptoms, such as frequent headaches, skin allergy, infection, and vitamin D deficiency.
- Adrenal PCOS: This type of PCOS results from the body’s response to stress. High levels of stress cause increased DHEAS production, a type of androgen. Too much DHEAS can cause PCOS symptoms.
- Post-Pill PCOS: If you abruptly stop oral contraception, you may experience post-pill PCOS. When you stop taking these pills, the ovaries respond by producing excessive androgen. This can cause symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, and irregular periods.
PCOS Symptoms
For many women, symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome often begin around the time they experience their first menstrual period, though they can sometimes develop later. These symptoms can vary but may include:
- Irregular periods - This is one of the most common signs of PCOS. You may experience few, irregular, heavy, or longer than normal periods.
- Acne - Acne can be caused by PCOS and may be on your face, chest, and back. This acne may be difficult to treat and often continues past teen years.
- Abnormal hair growth - You may notice excess facial hair or heavy hair growth on your chest, arms, and abdomen. Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS experience this.
- Obesity - Between 40 and 80 percent of women with PCOS have obesity and struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
- Cysts - PCOS may involve ovaries that appear larger or have many follicle cysts that appear on ultrasound. However, many women do not develop cysts.
- Skin darkening - Some people with PCOS notice patches of dark skin called acanthosis nigricans, and these are often found in the folds of the neck, groin, armpits, and breasts.
- Thinning hair - PCOS may cause the loss of patches of hair on the head or balding.
- Skin tags - Skin tags are small flaps of extra skin, and they often develop in the armpits or on the neck.
- Infertility - PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women, primarily due to not ovulating regularly. Complications of PCOS can contribute to miscarriage or premature birth.
It’s also possible to have PCOS without any symptoms or with symptoms mild enough that you may not notice them. Many women do not realize they have this condition until they have trouble conceiving or start gaining weight for no reason.
Diagnosing PCOS
A healthcare provider will usually diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of the three primary symptoms: irregular or missed periods, signs of excess androgens like abnormal hair growth or acne, and enlarged ovaries or cysts on ultrasound. Your provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history as well as perform both a physical exam and pelvic exam to look for symptoms and other potential causes. They may order blood tests to check hormone and glucose levels. A pelvic ultrasound may also be performed to examine your ovaries and check your uterine lining.
Treating PCOS
Based on your medical history, symptoms, and other health conditions, your provider will help you determine the best treatment for your PCOS. These treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of the two. It’s typically recommended to eat a nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein as well as exercise regularly and manage a healthy weight. If you have insulin-resistant PCOS, eating a healthy diet is always necessary, and Prolon Fasting Mimicking Diet, Ideal Protein, and GluNOzym supplements can also help by improving metabolic health.
Common medical treatments include hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, or an IUD, to help regulate your menstrual cycle and hormone levels. Insulin-sensitizing medication or medications to block androgens may also be prescribed. If you want to conceive, your provider may recommend drugs to induce ovulation. If medication doesn’t help with ovulation, you may be recommended to try in vitro fertilization (IVF) to get pregnant.
Supplements for PCOS
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for PCOS, you can try taking certain supplements. Saw palmetto is a popular supplement for PCOS because it may help inhibit androgen production. Berberine supplements may help decrease insulin resistance, lower lipid levels, and improve ovulation in women with PCOS. Myo-inositol may also help certain aspects of PCOS, such as regulating insulin levels, decreasing androgen levels, restoring ovulation, regulating menstruation, and aiding in weight loss. Taking vitex supplements can help most women with PCOS because it may help regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility, reduce unwanted symptoms from high androgen, and protect the ovaries from cell damage. N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a powerful antioxidant that may boost fertility, improve insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and restore hormone balance in women with PCOS.
Here at Magnolia Pharmacy, we understand how difficult the symptoms of PCOS can be and want to help you overcome them. Please reach out to us today to find out more about taking supplements for PCOS and other natural approaches that may help. We look forward to helping you get back to feeling like yourself!
