What PCOS Is
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder affecting ovarian function in women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce excess androgen hormones (hormones dominant in men), disrupting the monthly release of eggs.
According to Halodoc, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, or difficulty conceiving, in women of reproductive age. A woman is suspected of having PCOS if she shows at least two of three early signs: increased androgen levels, many small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries, and irregular ovulation or fertile periods.
Often-Overlooked PCOS Symptoms
Many women experience PCOS symptoms without realizing it because the signs resemble other health issues. The most common symptom is irregular menstrual cycles, such as infrequent, overly long periods, or no period for months.
Other symptoms include excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back called hirsutism, found in 70 percent of women with PCOS, stubborn acne on the face, chest, and back, weight gain that is hard to lose, and male-pattern thinning of scalp hair. Darkened, thickened skin in fold areas like the neck and armpits (acanthosis nigricans), skin tags, and mood changes often accompany it.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Hormonal imbalance, especially increased androgen, is the key factor driving most symptoms. Risk rises if a family member has the same condition.
Insulin resistance also plays a major role. When body cells do not respond well to insulin, the pancreas produces more of it, which in turn can raise androgen production and worsen PCOS symptoms. This condition is often linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Treatment and When to See a Doctor
PCOS cannot yet be fully cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. The first line of treatment is lifestyle change: losing weight for those overweight, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking, since smokers have higher androgen levels. Doctors may prescribe medication to regulate menstrual cycles or address insulin resistance, up to laparoscopic ovarian drilling procedures for fertility issues.
See an obstetrician promptly if you experience highly irregular periods, severe acne that never improves, or difficulty conceiving. Without proper treatment, PCOS can trigger long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and increased endometrial cancer risk.
