PCOS and Fertility: Understanding Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), with the updated medical term being PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), is a very common hormonal problem which affects menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall health. PCOS symptoms can cause emotional distress, but an early diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, & treatment options available, which can help women make informed decisions.

Table of Contents

• What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
• Symptoms of PCOS
• Can Women Have PCOS Without Any Symptoms?
• What are the Causes of PCOS?
• How is PCOS Diagnosed?
• Management and Treatment of PCOS
• Health Risks Associated With PCOS
• How to Prevent PCOS?
• When to See a Doctor for PCOS?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is a medical condition of hormonal imbalance in the body. This happens when the ovaries produce higher amounts of androgen hormones than required.

PCOS increases the chances of having irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. This is one of the most common reasons for infertility in women; it can also increase the risks of other hormone-related health problems.

This is very common in women, and can start anytime after puberty. Most women find out about it in their 20s or 30s when they’re trying to get pregnant. People with obesity have higher chances of getting PCOS; also, this condition can be inherited genetically.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms can vary from one person to another and can change with time.

The most common signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Irregular Periods

  Having abnormal periods, meaning missing a period or not having one at all. And sometimes having a period with heavy bleeding.

• Abnormal Hair Growth

  Women suffering from PCOS can experience abnormal growth in facial hair or heavy hair growth on arms, chest, and abdomen. This is one of the most common PCOS symptoms and can affect up to 70% of women suffering from this condition.

• Acne

  PCOS can cause acne on the back, chest, and face. The acne growth can continue even after the teenage years and can be difficult to treat.

• Obesity

  40-80% of people with PCOS suffer from obesity, and it becomes difficult for them to maintain a healthy body weight.

• Skin Darkening

  Women suffering from PCOS can experience their skin getting dark and patchy. This is particularly noticeable in the folds of their neck, armpits, between their legs, and under their breasts as well. This phenomenon is also known as acanthosis nigricans.

• Cysts

  Many women suffering from PCOS can have large ovaries or multiple small follicles (fluid-filled sacs) that are visible on an ultrasound report.

• Skin Tags

  Growth of skin tags or little flaps of extra skin around the armpit and neck area can also be signs of PCOS.

• Thinning Hair

  Women suffering from PCOS can lose patches of hair or can start getting bald.

• Infertility

  PCOS is one of the main reasons for women’s infertility. Frequent ovulation or not being able to ovulate can hinder conception.

Can Women Have PCOS Without Any Symptoms?

Yes, it is possible to have PCOS or PMOS without having any symptoms. Many women don’t even realise they have it unless they get trouble getting pregnant or start gaining weight for unknown reasons. Having mild PCOS is also possible, where the PCOS symptoms are not noticeable enough.

What are the Causes of PCOS?

The precise cause of PMOS is not known. Genetics and obesity are considered to be one of the reasons, but it can happen due to many other factors like:

• Higher levels of androgens: High androgen levels can prevent ovaries from releasing eggs, which can cause irregular periods. This can also cause male pattern hair growth (hirsutism) and some types of acne.
• Insulin resistance: During PCOS, the body might not respond well to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move sugar from the bloodstream to the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. As the cells become less responsive to insulin, blood sugar levels rise. To keep blood sugar levels in control, the pancreas produces more insulin.
• Low-grade inflammation: Women suffering from PCOS have a possibility of having chronic low-grade inflammation. Doctors can recommend a blood test to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) & white blood cell levels, which helps to examine the level of inflammation in the body.

Can PCOS Cause a Miscarriage?

PCOS can surely increase the risks of a few pregnancy complications, including miscarriage in some cases, yet most women have successfully carried a pregnancy with this condition as well.

During pregnancy, women with PCOS might have a higher risk of complications like:

• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• High blood pressure
• Preterm birth
• Cesarean (C-section) delivery, especially if the person is also diagnosed with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Your doctors can diagnose PCOS or PMOS after an examination and discussing the PCOS symptoms. They might suggest blood tests or perform an ultrasound to help with the diagnosis after an initial consultation. During this, they will ask about the symptoms and how often they occur. Doctors will –

• Discuss the symptoms and medical history.
• They can ask about a patient’s biological family’s medical history.
• Might measure body weight and blood pressure.
• Can conduct a physical examination, looking particularly for excess growth of facial hair, hair loss, acne, discoloured skin, and skin tags.
• Conduct a pelvic examination to rule out any other causes of abnormal bleeding.
• Might conduct a blood test to check hormone and glucose levels.
• May request a pelvic ultrasound to examine the ovaries.

Three Symptoms to Diagnose PCOS

Doctors diagnose PCOS or PMOS when someone has at least two of the following three symptoms:

• Irregular or missed periods.
• Signs of excess androgens.
• Enlarged ovaries or polycystic appearance of ovaries on ultrasound.

Management and Treatment of PCOS

There is no permanent cure for PCOS. Doctors determine PCOS treatment on the basis of symptoms, medical history and other health conditions, as well as whether the patient wants to get pregnant. Treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes or a combination of both.

Health Risks Associated With PCOS

PCOS can increase the risk of having many health problems like:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Endometrial cancer
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
• Depression and anxiety

How to Prevent PCOS?

There is no confirmed or guaranteed way to prevent PCOS. But adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce symptoms. A nutritious diet, in addition to regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight, can help manage PCOS.

When to See a Doctor for PCOS?

Women can consult a doctor in case of the following:

• When they are having irregular periods.
• When they have excess facial and body hair growth, acne or other signs of increased androgen levels.
• When they are not able to get pregnant.

Conclusion

Women living with PCOS or PMOS can find their lives challenging, but this does not limit their ability to get pregnant and have a healthy child. With proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and treatment, many women have been able to manage their PCOS symptoms and have been able to get pregnant successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Am I fertile if I have PCOS?

Ans. PCOS is usually associated with reproductive challenges, such as difficulty in conceiving and other pregnancy-related complications.

Q2. Does PCOS reduce fertility?

Ans. Yes. PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility. This condition disrupts the hormonal balance in the body and may cause irregular ovulation.

Q3. How to naturally ovulate with PCOS?

Ans. Ovulation can be induced naturally even with PCOS by adjusting lifestyle.

Q4. Is PCOS a lifelong condition?

Ans. Yes. PCOS is a lifelong condition, as there is no “proper cure.” However, the hormonal and metabolic imbalance in the body can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Q5. Why is PCOS so common now?

Ans. PCOS is primarily common due to the lifestyle that people lead. Sedentary routines, diets high in refined carbs, and chronic stress all contribute to the condition.