Understanding PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that affects the hormones in women of childbearing age. One of the common outcomes of the condition is irregular periods, either by lengthening the days of menstruation or making them irregular.

The hormonal imbalance also typically causes an increase in the level of male hormones. People with PCOS are also more likely to develop severe conditions, especially if untreated.

What Is PCOS?

As mentioned, PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects the ovaries and the menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce the productive hormones progesterone and estrogen and the male hormones called androgens. The primary cause of PCOS is still unknown, but doctors understand the changes it causes well. 

It affects ovulation and leads to three primary results:
 

• Skipped or irregular periods
   

• Cysts in the ovaries
   

• High male hormone levels

The name polycystic refers to the many sacs full of fluid that form in the ovaries, which are follicles. Each of these contains an immature egg, and all of them never develop enough to trigger ovulation.

This lack of ovulation decreases the production of reproductive hormones like luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Additionally, it causes higher levels of androgens, affecting the regularity of periods.

What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?

The condition causes several common symptoms, such as:

Irregular Periods 

As mentioned, one of the outcomes of PCOS is irregular periods, including missing cycles, lengthened cycles, or cycles with extremely heavy bleeding.

Abnormal Hair Growth

Abnormal hair growth throughout your body, especially the face, arms, abdomen, and chest, affects up to 79% of all people with PCOS. This condition is called hirsutism, a side effect of increased male hormones.

Acne

People with PCOS usually develop acne on their faces, chests, and backs, usually persisting well past their teenage years. This acne is typically tough to treat, especially with conventional methods that work for others.

Obesity

People with PCOS are more susceptible to obesity. It affects between 40% and 80% of all people with the condition, and many others have trouble maintaining their weight.

Skin Darkening

You may also notice that you have skin patches that are darker than others, a condition called acanthosis nigricans. This skin darkening usually manifests in the fold of your neck, in your groin, under your armpits, and under your breasts.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms of PCOS include infertility, cysts, skin tags, and thinning hair.

Causes of PCOS

The working theory for what causes this condition is an increase in the male hormone that prevents the function of the ovaries. However, doctors and scientists are more particular about the risk factors that often lead to the condition.
 

• Genes or family history
   

• Insulin resistance
   

• Inflammation

Treatment for PCOS

The treatment for the condition depends on whether you want to get pregnant. The doctor will usually provide options like drug-induced ovulation, surgery, or in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women who still want children. If you are not planning to have children, the doctor will recommend hormonal birth control, insulin-sensitizing drugs, androgen blockers, or specific lifestyle changes.

For more information on understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for PCOS, visit Partners in Obstetrics & Women’s Health at our office in New Lenox, Illinois. Call (815) 240-0554 to book an appointment today.