#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

Author: Ashley Levinson

Twitter: @pcosgurl

November 21, 2014 – Mantua, New Jersey

Many are faced with a conundrum when learning and dealing with PCOS which is; What am I really dealing with?

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment.  There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

So by now you are probably wondering if you do not already know, 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility.

So How does PCOS Affect my Body?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome got its name because many women with PCOS have changes in their ovaries including small cysts that surround the ovary looking as if it is a pearl necklace on ultra sounds.  However PCOS is not a gynecological problem, rather an endocrine disorder that changes how your body reacts to some hormones, like insulin. The body uses insulin to turn food, especially sugar, into energy with #PCOS insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance can make it harder to process insulin. High levels of insulin cause more androgens (male hormones) to be made in a woman's body. With higher levels of androgens, which all women have, a woman can show some male signs like acne, male patterned baldness or extra hair on the face or body.

Other issues that can wreak havoc on women with PCOS are weight gain, especially around the mid-section (apple shape) and infertility as hormone changes can keep a woman from having an ovum (egg) released from her ovary every month which can cause her to skip periods (amenorreah) or have problems getting pregnant.  As insulin increases in a woman with this syndrome it can also lend itself to (acathosis nigracans) or darkened skin in the neck, armpits and skin tags.

So Why is getting diagnosed so difficult?

There are two reasons why so many women with PCOS are undiagnosed for years:

1. Some doctors may think that girls will "grow out" of irregular periods, not recognizing that it is not normal to have irregular periods

2. Other doctors, mostly gynecologists, KNOW that a woman or girl has PCOS, but fail to mention or discuss it with their patients

PCOS is diagnosed by taking a history, doing a physical exam, getting blood tests, and possibly getting an ultrasound. Of these 4 things, the most important is a history of irregular periods: if you tell a doctor your periods are irregular, chances are nearly 100% that you have PCOS.

The number one, two and three warning signs of PCOS are irregular periods, irregular periods, and irregular periods!

Also: trouble conceiving.

What treatments are available for PCOS?

PCOS is probably multifactorial, and has different causes in different women. However, in most women, the insulin levels are very high. The high insulin levels drive the ovary to produce too much testosterone. So in most women, the key is to lower the insulin levels, which in turn will lower the testosterone. The most effective ways to lower insulin are:

1. exercise, both aerobic and weight-training

2. avoid simple carbohydrates. Period.

3. take insulin-lowering medications to help make exercise and diet more effective

What is being done to learn more about treatment and diagnosis for PCOS?

Although the etiology of the syndrome is unclear, there are currently markers being researched. A forum in 2013 outlined the possible causes and effects of #PCOS and is calling for government recognition and research into these areas. 

Potential areas of further research activity include the analysis of predisposing conditions that increase the risk of PCOS, particularly genetic background and environmental factors, such as endocrine disruptors and lifestyle

PCOS Forum: Research in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Today and Tomorrow

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742326/

In closing PCOS affects various women in various ways however it should never be left unchecked! Even if you don't want children, it is essential to treat PCOS. The high insulin and testosterone lead to high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and eventually diabetes. These are the big three conditions that lead to heart disease.

If you suspect you or someone you knows has PCOS be sure to speak with a PCOS friendly doctor and stay informed. Information is key to living a healthier life with any condition you face!