Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance.
What is PCOS? PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6% to 12% (as many as 5 million) of US women of reproductive age. But it's a lot more than that. This lifelong health condition continues far beyond the child-bearing years.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder, affecting around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age1.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common disorder in girls. Symptoms may include excess body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and menstrual cycle problems. The excess body hair can be on the face, chin, neck, back, chest, breasts, or abdomen.
The age-standardised annual incidence rate of PCOS also varied substantially by country. In 2019, Kuwait [108.6 (95% UI: 71.7 to 151.4)], Qatar [105.1 (95% UI: 68.0 to 147.9)] and Saudi Arabia [103.0 (95% UI: 66.9 to 143.0)] had the highest age-standardised annual incidence rates.
Excess insulin causes polycystic ovaries because it impairs ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to make testosterone instead of estrogen. We have an epidemic of insulin resistance, so it makes sense that we also have an epidemic of PCOS.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
Researchers have found evidence that chronic disease in either a mother or father can create unfavourable conditions in the womb that are associated with the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in daughters.
About 75% to 80% women with PCOS will ovulate after CC, and a conception rate of 22% per cycle has been reported. This discrepancy between ovulation and pregnancy rates is thought to be related to the antioestrogenic effect of CC on endometrial receptivity and cervical function.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1.
Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.
Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But PCOS can happen at any age after puberty. Women of all races and ethnicities are at risk of PCOS.
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
Myth #2: If You Lose Weight, You Can Get Rid of PCOS
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. A wide range of treatment options can help prevent any potential problems.
By age 40, 40% of women with PCOS will develop pre-diabetes or diabetes. The United States spends an estimated $4 billion annually to identify and manage PCOS. Women with PCOS can have monthly menstrual cycles and still have PCOS. Despite its name, not all women with PCOS actually have cysts on their ovaries.
About 70% of women who have PCOS have difficulty conceiving, either because of ovulation issues or not having enough progesterone. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones that results in problems in the ovaries.
Women with PCOS may be more likely to have multiples (twins, or more). One study found that while the multiple pregnancy rate is 1.1% in the average population, it is 9.1% for women with PCOS patients.
The exact cause is not known, but there appears to be a genetic component as it tends to run in families. Teens with PCOS are also found to have increased levels of male hormones and resistance to insulin. Although there is no cure for PCOS, effective treatment can control and eliminate many symptoms.
PCOS appears to have a genetic component, but there are lifestyle and environmental factors at play, too.
Genetics. PCOS sometimes runs in families. If any relatives, such as your mother, sister or aunt, have PCOS, the risk of you developing it is often increased. This suggests there may be a genetic link to PCOS, although specific genes associated with the condition have not yet been identified.
Can I have a flat stomach with PCOS? As mentioned earlier, the PCOS belly shape is usually large and bloated but can also be small. This means you can have a flat stomach and still have PCOS, so watch out for other symptoms. Those with a big belly can gain a flat tummy through dietary and lifestyle changes.
The effect of PCOS on the incidence of fibrocystic breast changes was 2.49 (95% CI 1.85–3.34). Also, the effect of hypothyroidism on the incidence of fibrocystic breast changes was 1.90 (95% CI 0.92–3.93). The results showed that women with PCOS were at higher risks to develop fibrocystic breast changes.
PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve.