Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Overview
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short, is the leading cause of female infertility, according to the World Health Organization. This condition affects a surprising number of women of childbearing age—about 1 in 10. Even more alarming, up to 70% of affected women are undiagnosed, and the condition can lead to significant health issues such as type 3 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.
Any woman who has gone through puberty can develop PCOS, no matter what her age. It's not always clear what causes PCOS or why it happens.
No single test can diagnose PCOS. Instead, doctors use a variety of tests and measures to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis. PCOS is an endocrine disorder, although it can also impact metabolism, reproduction and other body systems. It's believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances in a woman's body. Hormones at play may include:
- Estrogen and progesterone, made by the ovary
- Luteinizing hormone, made by the pituitary gland
- Insulin, made by the pancreas
- Testosterone, made by the ovaries and adrenal glands
Common symptoms
PCOS affects women of reproductive age, beginning in adolescence, but symptoms can vary over time. The most common ones include:
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair, including the upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen and back)
- Hair loss on the scalp
- Skin darkening/hyperpigmentation (often around the groin, in the creases of the neck, and beneath the breasts)
- Moderate to severe acne
- Skin tags (especially around the neck and armpits)
- Irregular menstruation cycles (e.g., unusually long or sporadically missing periods or no periods)
- On ultrasound imaging, the ovaries may be enlarged and have multiple cysts (where PCOS got its name)
- Infertility
- Obesity
- Depression
- Lowered sex drive
- Abnormal lab tests (including elevated levels of certain hormones called androgens)
Women with PCOS also appear more likely to be diagnosed with other health conditions, including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and endometrial cancer. While there is no cure for PCOS, symptoms and associated conditions can be managed. Seeking proper medical care as soon as you notice any signs and symptoms of PCOS is important! It could save you or your loved one's life.
Specialty care
Treatment options
The best treatment for PCOS is one that is individualized to meet the specific goals and needs of those diagnosed with the condition. Certain factors may affect a woman's plan of care, including whether she wants to have children. Common treatment options include:
- Medications to alleviate symptoms, restore hormonal balance (e.g., hormonal birth control) and improve blood sugar levels and other related issues
- Lifestyle modifications (exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, etc.) to improve overall health, help manage symptoms, promote a healthy weight and avoid long-term health complications
