Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not just ovaries with cysts: it’s a hormonal imbalance that impacts your overall health, from metabolism to mood. Here you’ll learn what PCOS is, why it occurs, how it’s diagnosed, available treatments, and possible long-term effects.
What is PCOS and what does it mean?
PCOS commonly occurs in women of reproductive age. Its main signs are:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Excess androgens: hirsutism, acne, hair loss
- Ovaries with a polycystic appearance on ultrasound
Additionally, PCOS affects your insulin sensitivity, blood lipid profile, and emotional well-being. Do not self-medicate: a specialist must make a proper diagnosis.
What causes PCOS and who is at risk?
There’s no single cause: genetic and environmental factors play a role:
- Insulin resistance, which triggers androgen production
- Hormonal imbalance: high testosterone and LH levels
- Family history of PCOS
If your goal is pregnancy, consult a Reproductive Medicine specialist before taking any medication.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
The Rotterdam criteria require two of three:
- Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea
- Hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical)
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (more than 12 follicles of 2–9 mm or volume ≥ 10 mL)
Treatments to manage PCOS
There’s no definitive cure, but effective management options include:
- Diet and exercise: losing 5–10% of body weight improves insulin sensitivity and regulates cycles
- Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens like spironolactone
- Fertility therapies: clomiphene and gonadotropins
- IVF and other assisted reproduction techniques: advanced options
Long-term consequences
- Fertility: anovulation complicates conception, but with treatment many achieve pregnancy
- Metabolic syndrome: increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia
- Cardiovascular system: hypertension, high cholesterol, early atherosclerosis
- Mental health: anxiety and depression; psychological support helps
- Pregnancy: higher likelihood of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth
PCOS is a red flag for your health: a multidisciplinary approach with nutrition, gynecology, endocrinology, and emotional support makes all the difference.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can it improve with lifestyle changes alone?
You’ll see significant improvement with a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in refined sugars) and exercise (150 min/week). Losing 5–10% of body weight helps restore ovulation and reduce insulin resistance. Ongoing management is still required.
2. Can I get pregnant with polycystic ovaries?
Yes. With ovulation induction (clomiphene, letrozole) or assisted reproduction (IVF) many women achieve pregnancy. Early diagnosis and a personalized plan are key. Do not self-medicate.
3. How does PCOS affect the heart?
It increases your risk of hypertension and dyslipidemia, accelerating atherosclerosis. Monitor blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol, and adopt healthy habits to prevent future issues.
4. What tests are required for diagnosis?
Pelvic ultrasound plus tests for LH, FSH, estradiol, free testosterone, prolactin, and TSH. Also a glucose tolerance test and lipid profile. Everything is interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Sources
- Goodarzi, M. O., et al. (2011). Polycystic ovary syndrome: Etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 7(4), 219–231. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2010.217
- Legro, R. S., et al. (2013). Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(12), 4565–4592. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-2350
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. https://medlineplus.gov/polycysticovarysyndrome.html
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Practice Bulletin No. 194: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(1), e157–e173. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002658
Remember that every body is unique. If you’re seeking fertility or PCOS management, consult a fertility specialist. You’re not alone on this journey!