What Is PCOS: Its Cause and Treatment
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting those of reproductive age (around 5–18 %) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. It’s characterised by hormone imbalances that can impair ovulation, cause irregular periods, and lead to wider health issues.
📌 What Is PCOS?
PCOS involves the development of many small follicles (“cysts”) in the ovaries alongside elevated androgens and irregular ovulation :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Key features:
- Polycystic ovaries: numerous immature follicles visible via ultrasound.
- Hyperandrogenism: excess male hormones leading to acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning.
- Ovulatory dysfunction: infrequent, irregular, or absent menstrual cycles.
✔️ What Causes PCOS?
PCOS is a multifactorial syndrome with strong genetic and environmental links :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}:
- Genetics: runs in families; inheritance appears polygenic :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Insulin resistance: present in up to 70 % of women with PCOS—excess insulin stimulates androgen production :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Chronic inflammation: low-grade inflammation may exacerbate androgen increases :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Environmental factors: such as endocrine disruptors or prenatal androgen exposure, may also play a role :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🩺 Common PCOS Symptoms
Symptoms often begin around menarche, but can appear later:
- Irregular periods (fewer than 8 per year or none at all)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Hirsutism—unwanted facial/body hair
- Acne and oily skin
- Weight gain or difficulty with weight loss
- Male-pattern baldness
- Infertility or difficulties conceiving
- Thickened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
📋 Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosis follows the Rotterdam criteria—at least two of:
- Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism
- Ovulatory dysfunction
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or elevated AMH levels :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Other conditions—like thyroid disease, hyperprolactinaemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or androgen-producing tumours—must be excluded first :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
⚕️ PCOS Management & Treatment
Though there is no cure, PCOS is highly manageable through a combination of lifestyle, medication, and symptom-based treatments:
Lifestyle Interventions
- Weight loss (5–15 %) can improve insulin sensitivity, menstrual regularity, androgen levels, and fertility :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Balanced diet—low-GI, Mediterranean-style, reducing refined carbs and inflammatory foods :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Regular exercise—both aerobic and strength training—to combat insulin resistance :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Medications
- Combined oral contraceptives: first-line for regularising cycles, reducing acne/hirsutism.
- Metformin: improves insulin resistance, can restore ovulation :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Anti‑androgens: like spironolactone help reduce hair growth and acne.
- Fertility drugs: clomiphene or letrozole to stimulate ovulation.
- Assisted reproduction: IVF or ovarian drilling for resistant cases :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Symptom Relief
- Hair removal options: laser, electrolysis, topical eflornithine.
- Acne treatments: topical retinoids, oral medication if needed.
- Skin and mental–health support: address self‑image, anxiety, depression associated with PCOS :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
📫 FAQs About PCOS
Q1. Is there a cure for PCOS?
No permanent cure—but symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle and medical treatment.
Q2. Can I still become pregnant?
Yes—weight management and ovulation drugs help many achieve pregnancy. IVF is available if needed.
Q3. Do all women with PCOS have cysts on ovaries?
No; cysts may be absent even when hormonal and ovulatory symptoms are present :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Q4. Should I be screened for diabetes or heart disease?
Yes. PCOS increases risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia—regular metabolic monitoring is advised :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
Q5. Can mental health be affected?
Absolutely. PCOS is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders—mental‑health screening and support are essential :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
🔑 Final Takeaway
PCOS is a complex but treatable condition. A holistic, multidisciplinary approach—combining diet, exercise, medication, cosmetic and emotional care—can significantly improve symptoms and long‑term health.
For further reading, explore our guides on mood‑boosting strategies and sleep & depression.