What Are the Causes of PCOS?
The exact mechanism of PCOS is not fully understood, but common risk factors include:
- Genetic factors, often found in families with a history of PCOS
- Insulin resistance
- Hormonal imbalance, especially elevated androgen levels
What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?
- Irregular periods: missed, infrequent, or light menstruation
- Infertility due to irregular or absent ovulation
- Symptoms of high male hormones: acne, oily skin, excessive hair growth, hair loss
- Obesity or being overweight
What Are the Complications of PCOS?
If left untreated, PCOS increases the risk of complications such as:
- Endometrial thickening or endometrial cancer due to irregular ovulation
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Stroke or heart disease
- Depression or anxiety
- Infertility, recurrent miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
- Medical history and menstrual cycle assessment
- Physical examination for signs of high androgen levels: oily skin, acne, excessive hair, baldness, and obesity evaluation
- Pelvic examination with ultrasound to detect ovarian cysts
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal), blood sugar, and lipid levels
How Is PCOS Treated?
- Lifestyle changes: weight control, healthy diet, exercise, stress management
- Medications: hormonal therapy to regulate menstruation for women not seeking pregnancy; ovulation-inducing drugs or surgery to assist conception if needed
- Prevention and treatment of complications: managing insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular issues, and endometrial thickening
