09/14/2025
Polycystic O***y Syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects an estimated 🔟 million worldwide. It is considered a hormonal condition, though the exact cause is unknown. Environmental and genetic factors appear to be involved.
Despite the name, many people with PCOS do not have cysts on their ovaries. Diagnosis is therefore more than a pelvic ultrasound - it involves a thorough medical history & physical exam, blood tests, and imaging.
Symptoms include:
🚩Pressure, bloating, swelling, and/or pain in the lower abdomen
🚩Acne
🚩Excessive hair growth (facial & body hair) due to higher levels of androgens (“male” s*x hormones)
🚩Weight gain
🚩Irregular, heavy, and/or missed periods indicating problems with ovulation
🚩Thinning hair on the head
🚩Thick, velvety patches of skin under the arms, breasts, or on the back of the neck
🚩Headaches
🚩Mood swings, depression, anxiety
🚩Insomnia, poor quality sleep, sleep apnea
➡️ PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
Treatment is multifaceted - but lifestyle interventions have been proven to successfully manage the condition for many. This includes dietary strategies, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, and targeted supplements. For some, medications are needed.
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing comorbid conditions, so it is important to manage the condition for long-term health. These risks include:
❌Pre-diabetes or diabetes - more than 50% will develop this by the age of 40
❌A 4-7 times increased risk of heart attack
❌High blood pressure
❌High cholesterol
❌Sleep apnea
❌Endometrial cancer due to lack of ovulation
A multidisciplinary team is the best way to manage. It varies person to person, but it could include gynecology, endocrinology, nutrition, personal training, physical therapy, acupuncture, mental health counseling, fertility specialists, cardiology, dermatology, medication management, functional medicine, or naturopathic medicine.
While it cannot be cured, it can be well managed! You can live well with the condition - many do.
