An Overview of PCOS

PCOS (or PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome) is pretty much exactly what it sounds like:  "poly" meaning many, "cystic" meaning containing cysts, and "ovary" which means patella.  Just kidding "ovary" means ovary.  Always.  (In case you didn't know, "patella" actually means kneecap.  You're welcome.)  However, before I begin, it is important to note that not everyone with PCOS has cystic ovaries, but most do.  There are always exceptions to the rule, aren't there?  Of the women diagnosed with PCOS, it is estimated that less than 2% have no cysts present.  So, it's rare, but it does happen.

But what exactly is PCOS; what causes it; how do you know you have it; what are the dangers; and how do you cure it?  All good questions.  Let's take them one at a time, shall we?

What is PCOS?  It is a hormonal disorder seen in women.  It is present in your system at the start of puberty, you just may not know it until later in life.  A little scary, huh?  Not so.  It's completely manageable, if you follow the right steps.  PCOS will disturb your "normal" hormonal balance and cause you to have too many androgens (male hormones.)  Ok, that last part is a little scary.  Too much testoterone can wreak havoc on our feminine bodies, and more importantly, on our self-esteem.  Because of the effect it can have on our self-esteem, it's quite common for women with PCOS to also suffer from depression. 

What causes PCOS?  Not much is known about the cause of PCOS, unfortunately.  It is still being researched, despite that it has been a recognized disorder for over 75 years.  Yikes!  It is pretty widely accepted that PCOS is genetic.  If you have PCOS, it is likely (but not certain) that someone in your family (your mother, grandmother, a sister, etc.) has it as well.  Certain factors such as weight gain, diet, and exercise (or lack thereof) can make symptoms of PCOS more prevalent in some individuals.

How do you know you have PCOS?  Only a doctor can diagnose you.  There isn't one simple test to take.  Diagnosis is dependant upon medical history, symptoms, blood tests, and ultrasounds.  Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS are:

• Cysts on the ovaries
• Male pattern weight gain (weight gain that occurs primarly around your abdomen)
• Male pattern acne (large, painful, cystic acne usually occurring along the jawline)
• Male pattern baldness
• Irregular or frequently missed periods
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Hirsutism (increased hair growth on the body and/or face)
• Infertility (the inability to get pregnant)
• Insulin resistance (causing elevated blood glucose levels)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Changes in sex drive (can be either increased OR decreased)

What are the dangers of PCOS?  PCOS causes disturbances in your body and can be linked to sleep apnea, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.  Not good.

How do you cure PCOS?  Simple answer, you don't.  You cannot cure PCOS, but you can manage it.  Always talk to your doctor about your PCOS management options before you actually start a new treatment.  We are all different, and not all treatments will work for everyone.  Symptoms of PCOS can be managed with:

• Various medications (birth control pills, diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, etc.)
• Diet changes (lowering calories, carbohydrates & sugars, or fat)
• Physical activitiy (increased exercise)
• Surgery (ovarian drilling, sometimes used to increase fertility)
• Homeopathy (natural remedies and plant-based supplements)
• Holistic practices (such as acupuncture or massage therapy)