How do you know if you have PCOS? This is not a very common question, but it is a question that some women ask themselves.
As a woman, there are many things that our bodies go through as it matures. When it comes to our reproductive system, there is a lot more to think about. Starting from the age of about 13, girls start having their menstrual period. The time that every girl starts is different, and how long it lasts also differs. But some women are worried because they do not have their periods often or at all and are not pregnant. This is one of the symptoms of PCOS.
About 6% to 12% of women in the United States are affected by PCOS. So, it is not unlikely that this is something you might be struggling with and do not know. But before you jump ahead of yourself, it’s essential to know the facts.
What is PCOS?
The question of “how do you know if you have PCOS” starts with understanding what it is and what it does to the body. Of course, it is recommended that you do not self-diagnose and instead talk about your symptoms with a doctor. But having basic information is a great place to start.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS for short, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. There is a hormonal imbalance, and the specific hormone involved is Androgen. Androgen is a dominant hormone usually found in males and slightly in females. With PCOS, the ovaries produce abnormal amounts of Androgen, which causes small cysts to form in the ovaries.
It is important to note that not everyone with PCOS develops these cysts. The other hormone that is affected in women with PCOS is Progesterone. Progesterone allows for ovulation to occur, which is when an egg is released into the ovary. In some cases, the woman doesn’t make enough Progesterone for her to ovulate, and because ovulation is not happening, the ovaries develop cysts.
Symptoms of PCOS
With PCOS, many symptoms are correlated, but the symptoms vary with each woman.
- Irregular periods: Many women miss their periods, have irregular periods, or light periods (this is the most common symptom).
- Excess facial & body hair, male baldness: This is because of the increase in the Androgen hormone. So, many women begin to develop more male-like traits.
- Acne / Oily Skin: This is also a result of Androgen and can be on the face, chest, and upper back.
- Weight Gain: PCOS belly is very common. There is insulin resistance, where the cells don’t respond well to insulin. The result is the body storing fat in the upper pelvic area.
- Darker Skin: Skin along the neck crease, under the breasts, and in the groin area starts to get darker.
- Skin Tags: Excess flaps of skin start to form in the neck area and armpits.
- Infertility: Because there is no ovulation, an egg is not released, and this causes infertility.
- Mood Changes: There are hormonal fluctuations, and because of that, there is usually emotional instability.
- Pelvic Pain: Though this is a less common symptom, if a woman has cysts, these might cause pain in the pelvic area.
If these are any symptoms that you’re experiencing, then you want to visit your OBGYN.
*NOTE* Some of these symptoms come with other diseases, so they should not solely be associated with PCOS.
Steps to Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosing yourself with PCOS is not advised; it is best to visit a doctor and get confirmation from them. When you visit the doctor, several tests will be conducted to confirm. With that being said, no one test reveals whether you have PCOS or not. It’s best always to state the symptoms you have to the doctor, and they will take it from there.
Here is a list of the exams that will be done when you visit the doctor.
- Physical Exam: With this exam, a doctor will look for all the physical symptoms such as skin tags, excess hair, acne, and others.
- Blood Test: The blood test will allow doctors to see abnormal levels of androgen and check insulin.
- Pelvic Exam: If you have pelvic pain, your doctor will check to see if the area is swollen.
- Ultrasound: This test is done to check if there are any ovary cysts and to check the lining of the uterus.
Treatment
The treatment for women with PCOS is not necessarily targeted at the condition. The reality is that there is no cure for the condition. So what treatment is there, and what do they target? The available treatment targets the symptoms that one might have. So, when you visit your doctor, they find medications and treatments that will help manage the symptoms that you’re having.
There are two major forms of treatment. The first one is medication & pills. Doctors might prescribe:
- Birth control pills to help with ovulation
- Insulin-sensitizing agents to assist the body with stabilizing glucose levels
- Anti-androgens which prevent or limit the body from making androgens
The second form of treatment is changing diet and doing more activity. Many start to gain weight, and that is a typical symptom. So, to combat this, eating healthier and being more active are recommended. Your doctor will speak with you to determine which treatment is best for you.
FAQ About PCOS
The answer to this question is a little complicated because PCOS has no exact cause. But as mentioned before, high androgen is the most significant factor. In addition, it’s important to know that PCOS is hereditary. So, it’s likely for it to be passed down.
Women ages 15 to about 44 are the most affected by PCOS. But to be broad, starting from the years that a woman can give birth / when a girl gets her period, they can develop PCOS.
Though PCOS is one of the leading factors in infertility, it is very much possible to get pregnant while having PCOS. And this is mainly because there are treatments that assist with symptoms that cause infertility.
*Disclaimer* It’s best to have all your questions answered by your primary care physician
PCOS Trial at AIH
Finding and knowing that you have PCOS is the beginning of the process. The next step is managing your symptoms. Taking the time to visit your primary care physician is important. But maybe you want to go a step further. There are clinical trials for women with PCOS to participate in. This step is not uncommon and something that many women take into consideration and go forward with.
Here at AIH, we have a PCOS clinical trial in which women ages 18 to 20 can participate. Participating in this clinical trial gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities, certified doctors, and the latest treatment for your symptoms. This is a great resource that we recommend to those with PCOS.
You can sign up for the PCOS trial by visiting our website. If you want more information, feel free to give the AIH a call.
Bottom Line
Now, you have a good amount of information to determine if you have PCOS. But the last step is to visit a doctor and get confirmation from them. Let them know of any symptoms you’re having, and take the time to have a conversation with them. Ask them any other questions you might have and get the proper treatment if they confirm that you have PCOS.
