PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormone disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have PCOS.
The three main features of PCOS are:
- Irregular periods - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Some women have fewer than 8 periods per year.
- Excess androgen - Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of androgens like testosterone. This can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, adult acne, and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic ovaries - PCOS gets its name because many women with this condition have multiple small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) in their ovaries.
Some other common PCOS symptoms include:
- Weight gain
- Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases and skin folds
- Skin tags
- Oily skin and acne
- Male pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin (acanthosis nigrican)
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families.
Insulin resistance and
inflammation have been linked to excess androgen levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body cannot use insulin efficiently, leading to higher insulin levels.
Some potential
PCOS complications include:
- Infertility - Not ovulating regularly can make it more difficult to conceive.
- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy complications
- Endometrial cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - a severe liver inflammation
- Metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and increased waist circumference that increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Up to 80% of women with PCOS develop metabolic syndrome.
Diagnosis is typically based on a woman's signs, symptoms, medical history and physical exam. Blood tests can help rule out other disorders with similar symptoms and check hormone levels. An ultrasound exam can reveal ovarian cysts and check for other pelvic issues.
Treatment focuses on managing PCOS symptoms. Lifestyle changes like
weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise can help lower insulin and androgen levels. Birth control pills provide cycle control and suppress androgens. Other medications may be used to aid fertility. Procedures like ovarian drilling can stimulate ovulation in some women.
In summary, PCOS is a hormone disorder causing irregular cycles, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries. Key concerns are infertility, metabolic issues like insulin resistance and diabetes risk. Lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms.