September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common but often misunderstood hormonal disorder. At Gaia Women’s PT, we’re committed to helping women understand the facts about PCOS and providing compassionate care for those affected. In this post, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and most effective ways to manage PCOS, so you can feel empowered to make informed decisions about your health.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated 1 in 10 women impacted worldwide. PCOS involves an imbalance in the levels of reproductive hormones, which can disrupt normal menstrual cycles, ovulation, and overall reproductive health. One of the key features of PCOS is the overproduction of androgens—hormones typically associated with male traits—though women also produce them in smaller amounts. When androgen levels become elevated, they can interfere with the development and release of eggs from the ovaries.
Another hallmark of PCOS is the formation of small, fluid-filled sacs or follicles in the ovaries. These follicles contain immature eggs that may not fully mature or be released during ovulation, leading to irregular or absent menstrual cycles. As a result, many women with PCOS experience difficulty with fertility. However, not all women with PCOS will have visible cysts on their ovaries; in fact, the name "polycystic" can sometimes be misleading.
The hormonal imbalances in PCOS can lead to a variety of symptoms beyond reproductive health. These include weight gain, insulin resistance, acne, and excess hair growth in places like the face or chest (hirsutism). Because PCOS manifests differently in each woman, it’s important to receive individualized care and management based on your unique symptoms and health profile.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role:
Genetics: PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. If your mother, sister, or other close female relative has PCOS, your chances of having it may be higher.
Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. High levels of insulin may cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, leading to symptoms like hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne.
Inflammation: Research suggests that chronic, low-grade inflammation may play a role in PCOS by stimulating the ovaries to produce androgens. Inflammation may be due to lifestyle factors like a diet high in processed foods, stress, sleep hygiene, and lack of exercise.
What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely from woman to woman, but some common signs include:
Irregular Periods: Infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles are a hallmark of PCOS. Some women with PCOS may have fewer than nine periods a year or none at all.
Excess Androgen: Elevated levels of androgens can result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic Ovaries: Your ovaries might be enlarged or contain numerous small follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly. But this is not necessarily a required finding in order to be diagnosed with PCOS.
Weight Gain: Many women with PCOS experience weight gain or have difficulty losing weight. This is often linked to insulin resistance.
Fertility Issues: PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women because it can interfere with ovulation.
Treatments for PCOS?
While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and stress management. Making healthy lifestyle changes is often one of the most impactful ways to control PCOS symptoms. A balanced diet, rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, can help regulate insulin levels and support weight management. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in improving insulin sensitivity and maintaining a healthy weight, which can further reduce symptoms like irregular periods and excess androgen production.
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications are commonly used to address specific PCOS symptoms. Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and clear acne, providing relief from some of the more frustrating physical symptoms, however this is not our favorite form of management due to their side effects (ie: female cardiovascular system) and their impacts on overall reproductive health. Birth control stimulates a bleed, but not necessarily ovulation, and it can help reduce the discomfort of the secondary side effects as states above. However, birth control does not treat the syndrome at it's origin. Metformin, a medication typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes, is often used to improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS and may aid in weight loss. For women trying to conceive, fertility treatments like clomiphene or letrozole can stimulate ovulation and improve chances of pregnancy.
Managing stress is another essential component in the treatment of PCOS, as stress can exacerbate symptoms. Mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. At Gaia Women’s PT, we also offer specialized pelvic floor physical therapy, which can support women with PCOS by addressing symptoms like pelvic pain, as well as helping to manage weight and improve strength through customized exercise programs.
Next Steps in Managing PCOS
Living with PCOS can be challenging, but with the right support and management strategies, it is possible to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. If you suspect you have PCOS or are experiencing symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. At Gaia Women’s PT, we’re here to support you on your journey to wellness. You will learn how to track your cycles, reduce stress and inflammation, and practice strategies to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
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