PCOS 101: What’s Going On With Your Hormones?

PCOS—or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—is a condition that affects the ovaries and hormones, and it’s something many people with ovaries deal with during their reproductive years (like, from your teens to your 30s or so). If you’ve heard the term but aren’t exactly sure what it means, you’re not alone! Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

What is PCOS?

Imagine your ovaries as two small, oval-shaped organs that are meant to release eggs each month. When you have PCOS, the ovaries don’t work quite the way they should. Instead of releasing eggs regularly, small fluid-filled sacs (called cysts) form on the ovaries. These cysts are actually immature eggs that didn’t get a chance to "pop" and become fully developed, so they get stuck in the ovaries.

It’s not just the cysts that make things complicated. The hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS can mess with your periods, your skin, your hair, and even your ability to get pregnant!

Do I have PCOS? What Are The Signs? 

The signs of PCOS can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms to watch out for. One of the most noticeable signs is irregular periods— you might go months without one, or your periods could last much longer than usual. In fact, some people with PCOS have fewer than 9 periods a year! So, if your period seems to be "on vacation" more often than not, this could be why. Another key symptom is too much androgen, a hormone that’s normally present in everyone, but in higher-than-normal levels for those with PCOS. This can lead to things like excess facial and body hair (such as those little chin hairs that seem to pop up unexpectedly), acne (especially adult acne that doesn't clear up with your regular skincare routine), and male-pattern baldness (which typically causes thinning hair on the crown of the head). These symptoms can be frustrating, but understanding what’s going on can help you manage them.

How Does PCOS Happen?

While the exact cause of PCOS isn't fully understood, there are a few factors that can contribute to it. One big one is insulin resistance, which means your body doesn’t respond to insulin as well as it should. To compensate, your body makes more insulin, which can lead to higher levels of androgens (the "male" hormones), causing things like acne and unwanted facial hair. PCOS is also linked to low-grade inflammation, which can mess with your ovaries and make them produce even more androgens. And if you have a family history of PCOS, like a mom or sister who has it, you're more likely to develop it too. 

What Are the Risks of PCOS?

If left untreated, PCOS can lead to some serious complications down the road, so it’s important to pay attention to your health. One of the biggest risks is infertility, as PCOS affects ovulation, making it harder to get pregnant. However, there are treatments available to help manage this! 

Another concern is metabolic issues—PCOS increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, but don’t worry; healthy lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower these risks. PCOS can also affect your mood, leading to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders due to hormone imbalances. It’s important to take care of your mental health just as much as your physical health. 

Finally, people with PCOS are at a higher risk for sleep apnea, a condition that makes it harder to breathe while sleeping, so be sure to keep an eye on how well you're sleeping. The good news is that with the right treatment and care, many of these risks can be managed effectively!

Is There a cure to PCOS?

While there’s no cure for PCOS, there are several treatment options to help manage symptoms. One of the most effective ways to improve symptoms is through lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Focusing on foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes, and try cutting back on sugar and unhealthy fats. A well-balanced diet not only helps with weight management but also lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes—talk about a double win!

Birth control can help regulate those unpredictable periods, clear up acne, and even lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Whether in the form of pills, patches, shots, or an IUD, birth control can help you feel more in control of your body. If you’re dealing with specific issues like acne, unwanted hair growth, or infertility, medications like Letrozole (to help you ovulate) and Metformin (to improve insulin sensitivity) may also be in your treatment toolbox.

In more severe cases of PCOS, procedures like laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), a surgical option that uses heat or lasers to reduce androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries, or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for infertility, may be considered. With the right treatment plan, many people with PCOS can manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

PCOS can sound a little intimidating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone! Many people live with it and manage their symptoms with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. If you think you have PCOS, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.  Remember, your hormones don’t define you! With the right support, you can manage PCOS and still lead a happy, healthy life.