All about PCOS
Can PCOS be cured? What are the symptoms of PCOS? Is there an effective treatment? Are there natural alternatives? How to live with PCOS? Definitions, treatment, symptoms, Louloucup delves into this hormonal disorder, unfortunately, very common.
In this article:
What is PCOS?
PCOS is the abbreviation for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a hormonal disease, an endocrine disorder that affects many women worldwide: an estimated 1 in 10 women are affected.
PCOS is also the leading cause of infertility worldwide because women with PCOS often have anovulatory menstrual cycles—that is, menstrual cycles without ovulation.
Important: don’t confuse infertility with sterility! Women with PCOS can become pregnant. However, it may be more difficult and take longer for them to conceive.
Why doesn’t ovulation occur with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Even though the name suggests otherwise, with PCOS there aren’t actually problematic cysts as such. The real issue in PCOS is more about hormonal imbalance.
This hormonal disruption causes significant fertility problems. Androgens, the so-called male hormones, are present in excessive amounts in the woman’s body. Their presence interferes with the proper development of follicles in the ovary.
Quick reminder: follicles are like little sacs that contain oocytes. During the follicular phase, these follicles grow. One of them, stronger and more vigorous than the others, reaches maturity. It contains the egg that can be fertilised.
At the time of ovulation, the mature follicle separates from the others and releases its egg, ready to be fertilised by a sperm cell. With PCOS, the follicle doesn’t reach maturity. Follicles build up in the ovary and ovulation therefore doesn’t occur.
Find all the information about the menstrual cycle, especially ovulation, in our No-Taboo Guide to the Menstrual Cycle.
What causes PCOS?
Researchers still aren’t completely sure. Genetics is one of the main suspected causes. If members of your family have PCOS, you’re more likely to have it too.
Other doctors and researchers have suggested an environmental cause (endocrine disruptors), but nothing has been definitively proven.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The list of PCOS symptoms is long. Not all women with PCOS experience the same symptoms. Symptoms also change over time.
In adolescence, a girl may suffer from irregular cycles, severe acne or excess hair growth. Young adults (25–30 years old) often experience some degree of infertility. Around the age of forty, intolerance to carbohydrates becomes noticeable. At menopause, women with PCOS are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Beyond that, symptoms are numerous and very varied: hair loss, excess hair, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, dark patches on the skin, high cholesterol, mood swings, low libido, pelvic pain and even depression.
Hormonal fluctuations have a direct impact on weight. The vast majority of patients experience weight gain or weight loss. Some women with PCOS are obese, but not all. It’s also no surprise that affected women are more likely to experience eating disorders or disordered eating (ED).
What is the diagnosis?
Very often, the diagnosis is only made after adolescence. Acne and irregular cycles are not considered alarming at puberty and don’t usually raise red flags with doctors. As a result, very few teenage girls are diagnosed.
However, the diagnosis is very often made when women want to become mothers. They struggle to conceive and seek medical advice. If two out of three criteria are met, a PCOS diagnosis can be made:
- menstrual cycle disorders, long cycles followed by short ones with missed periods—in short, highly irregular periods;
- clear signs of hyperandrogenism ;
- the presence on ultrasound of 12 or more large follicles per ovary.
The healthcare professional (gynaecologist, endocrinologist, GP) can list the symptoms but also order a full blood test. This blood work should in particular highlight androgen levels.
**Prolactin**, **testosterone**, and **progesterone** are among the hormones that are measured. A **hormone panel** is essential to diagnose PCOS. That’s why seeing an **endocrinologist** (a doctor who specializes in hormones), in addition to a gynecologist, is really helpful. A **pelvic ultrasound** can reveal the large number of immature follicles in the ovary that have not developed into mature oocytes.
An ultrasound and blood test are therefore essential. Your GP as well as specialists (endocrinologist and gynaecologist) can diagnose PCOS and offer solutions to help you live better with it.
What treatment is available to cure PCOS?
There is currently no curative treatment that definitively cures PCOS. However, there are many medical solutions to reduce symptoms and restore stable ovulation (if pregnancy is desired).
Medical options are very diverse and will depend on each woman’s individual needs.
To reduce hirsutism and acne, a combined estrogen-progestin pill is often the first-line treatment. To restore effective ovulation, an ovulation induction treatment may be prescribed (with clomiphene citrate or injectable exogenous gonadotropins). If this is not enough, assisted reproduction (ART/IVF) can also be an option.
To address all the “side issues” and disabling symptoms of PCOS, you can absolutely turn to various specialists:
For weight gain or loss, it’s best to consult a doctor-nutritionist. Diet plays a key role.
The osteopath can unlock and provide some mobility, potentially relieving and addressing hormonal blockages.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will help relieve more psychological issues and work with you on depressive episodes in particular.
A sophrologist is particularly effective in easing anxiety, stress and helping you fight insomnia.
A sex therapist will give you the tools to resolve your libido issues.
For those who prefer more natural treatments. Some specialists, such as naturopaths or acupuncturists, can be a great support.
We’d like to remind you that we can never replace your doctor. If you have the slightest doubt, don’t hesitate to see a healthcare professional. It’s important to share your concerns and find someone who will really listen to your health issues.
PCOS affects many women. And even though there is currently no cure, there are ways to reduce unwanted symptoms and restore a viable ovulation.
We also encourage you to visit websites of associations dedicated to this condition, such as Esp’OPK and Asso’SOPK. You’ll find many testimonials and in-depth information there. You’ve got this!
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