What is polycystic ovary syndrome? Is PCOS hereditary? How is PCOS diagnosed? Can women with PCOS have children? Find out more about PCOS, its symptoms and how it is treated.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women. But what is PCOS exactly? PCOS stands for “polycystic ovary syndrome”. Despite the name, PCOS does not cause cysts. Instead, the condition causes multiple egg cells to develop at the same time. How many women suffer from PCOS? The condition affects between 6% and 18% of women of childbearing age.
PCOS and endometriosis are two separate conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the functioning of the ovaries. It is often linked to a hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation. Endometriosis is when the endometrial lining also grows outside the womb. Both endometriosis and PCOS can lead to irregular menstruation.
The direct cause of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, particularly of the sex hormones. We do not conclusively know how this imbalance comes about, but there are a number of potential triggers that may combine to cause the condition:
PCOS causes a variety of different symptoms:
By the way, although the symptoms of PCOS are not life-threatening, they are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression. It is not clear whether PCOS has a direct impact on life expectancy.
About 30% to 40% of patients with PCOS also suffer from Hashimoto’s disease – an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism in most cases. This can sometimes make menstrual irregularities and weight gain worse. If both illnesses occur at the same time, the level of testosterone in the body is lower than with PCOS alone.
The test for PCOS involves multiple steps. First of all, the doctor will enquire about your medical history, as well as symptoms such as an irregular cycle or strong body hair growth. In order to diagnose PCOS, they will also perform an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. A blood test will additionally be carried out if PCOS is suspected. The hormone and blood sugar levels are particularly important in this regard. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have elevated levels of androgens and blood sugar. The level of luteinising hormone (LH) is also higher than normal.
A reliable diagnosis can be made if at least two of the PCOS symptoms described below are identified and diseases with similar symptoms can be ruled out:
It’s worth noting that even women with regular periods may have PCOS if they have excess androgen and polycystic ovaries.
There is no cure for PCOS, but there are a number of different ways to treat it. From lifestyle changes to medical therapies, PCOS can be treated with a wide range of measures that could potentially provide relief.
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of PCOS, particularly if sufferers are overweight or insulin-resistant. In these cases, losing just 5% of your body weight can ameliorate the symptoms of PCOS. A balanced diet includes:
Some symptoms of PCOS, such as strong body hair growth, being overweight and insulin resistance, have a significant impact on the women who suffer from them. Not only do they cause physical problems, but they can also lead to anxiety, low mood and stress. Social interactions, relaxation and exercise help alleviate these symptoms,
For those with PCOS, another reason why sport can help alleviate the condition is that it helps with weight loss. You should ideally get at least two and a half hours of moderate to intense exercise every week.
PCOS can cause anxiety or depression in some cases. Talk to your GP if you think that you could be affected.
Medical treatment is very important in cases of PCOS. Various different approaches have proven to be effective.
If you have PCOS and you’re trying to conceive, you should talk to your gynaecologist. They will adjust your treatment to make it possible for you to get pregnant despite PCOS. You should also take your check-ups seriously, because complications are more common with PCOS. Women with PCOS are more likely to suffer miscarriages, experience multiple pregnancies and develop gestational diabetes. If you are trying to conceive, your PCOS will be treated without using the pill. Instead, you may take medications that support the development of the egg cells and ovulation. Getting a healthy diet and sufficient exercise are also particularly important.
By the way, women with PCOS can still breastfeed. The baby may require supplementary feeding however – particularly if patients are overweight and breast growth during pregnancy is limited.
Some women report positive experiences with black cohosh, berberine and chaste tree for treating PCOS. Talk to your doctor before trying these or other remedies. You should ideally use household remedies alongside rather than instead of your PCOS treatment.
PCOS makes life a challenge for many who suffer from it, but there are effective ways to alleviate the symptoms. Talk to your doctor to find the treatment that suits you best.
The expert provided the editorial team with advice and input for this article. Nadia Cifarelli (BSc Psychology, certified holistic health advisor) works for the Helsana health consultation service. She helps customers on issues to do with prevention, nutrition and mental health.
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