Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It’s a complex condition that can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of symptoms and potential long-term health impacts.
What are PCOS Symptoms?
PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: A normal cycle length is 21-35 days but women with PCOS often experience infrequent, irregular, or long menstrual cycles.
- Excessive hair growth (which is called hirsutism): This occurs on the face, chest, and back due to elevated androgen (male hormone) levels.
- Acne: Hormonal imbalances can lead to spots often on the face, chest, and upper back.
- Thinning hair: Some women experience hair thinning or hair loss on the scalp.
- Weight gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain, particularly wight around the stomach which is difficult to shift.
- Ovarian cysts: Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be detected through ultrasound. Although PCOS cannot be diagnosed through ultra sound alone.
- Darkened skin: Patches of dark, thickened skin, particularly in body creases, can appear.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is not known, it’s a set of symptoms (high androgens and irregular cycles) driven by several different underlying factors.
Here are the four types of PCOS:
Post pill PCOS – the pill supresses our natural hormones and replaces them with synthetic versions. When you come off the pill it is common to experience a temporary surge in androgens causing PCOS symptoms such as acne, hair growth and irregular cycles, whilst the body learns to start cycling naturally again.
Insulin resistant PCOS – this is the most common type of PCOS, insulin is a hormone that manages our blood sugar levels. When insulin is high it can drive high androgens causing PCOS symptoms.
Inflammatory PCOS – chronic inflammation in the body can stimulate the ovaries to make too much testosterone and is a factor in every type of PCOS.
Adrenal PCOS - this is cause by a genetic susceptibility causing too many androgens too be produced in the body.
At What Age Does PCOS Start?
PCOS typically develops during a woman’s reproductive years, often appearing during adolescence or early adulthood. However, symptoms can start at any point after puberty.
Can PCOS Be Cured?
PCOS cannot be cured but its symptoms can be managed through dietary changes, lifestyle changes and (sometimes also) medical support.
Reducing your weight is important, work with a Nutritional Therapist who can work with you on a personalised nutritional plan so that you can lose weight.
Can PCOS Cause Cancer?
PCOS itself does not directly cause cancer. However, it can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). This risk is higher in women with PCOS due to irregular periods and the build-up of the uterine lining over time, which can lead to abnormal cell changes.
Can PCOS Cause Miscarriage?
Yes, PCOS can increase the risk of miscarriage. Women with PCOS may have higher levels of insulin and androgens, which can affect the implantation and development of a fertilised egg. Additionally, women with PCOS are more likely to experience complications like gestational diabetes, which can further increase miscarriage risk.
Can PCOS Cause Weight Gain?
Yes, weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS, especially around the middle. Insulin resistance is a major contributing factor to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Can PCOS Cause Pain?
While PCOS does not directly cause pain, certain symptoms or related conditions can lead to pain. Women with PCOS may experience pelvic pain, especially during their period, due to irregular ovulation and ovarian cysts. Additionally, tummy pain due to digestive issues is more comment in women with PCOS due to hormonal fluctuations.
Can PCOS Cause Infertility?
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. The condition interferes with ovulation, which makes it difficult to conceive.
However, with proper treatment, many women with PCOS can still become pregnant!
Can PCOS Cause Early Menopause?
PCOS does not typically cause early menopause. In fact, women with PCOS may experience delayed menopause due to the condition’s impact on ovulation and hormone levels. However, some women with PCOS may experience menopause-related symptoms earlier due to other health factors, but this is not a direct result of the syndrome.
While it cannot be cured, PCOS is manageable through a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle changes and sometimes medical support.
A few Supplements that can be helpful for PCOS are listed below.
The supplements that are best for your symptoms depends on the type of PCOS you have so speak to a Nutritional Therapist for personalised advice!
