{"id":15070,"date":"2020-09-08T11:31:05","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T15:31:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=15070"},"modified":"2025-01-15T14:08:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T19:08:32","slug":"pcos-signs-symptoms-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/pcos-signs-symptoms-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"PCOS signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polycystic ovary syndrome<\/span> (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects up to <\/span>10%<\/span><\/a> of women and up to 25% of trans men of reproductive age. Despite how common PCOS is, it\u2019s widely misunderstood. That might be because PCOS presents differently across patients. There\u2019s a constellation of possible symptoms you can experience, making this syndrome hard to predict and diagnose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PCOS patients can be treated by endocrinologists \u2014 doctors who specialize in hormone disorders \u2014 as well as family doctors or gynecologists. The glands in your body that secrete hormones make up your endocrine system. And what are hormones? They’re chemical messengers that communicate between your organs and tissues. They\u2019re vital for bodily functions like digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. When your hormones are out of imbalance there be ripple effects all throughout your body.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?<\/span><\/h2>\n

PCOS is a hormone imbalance where people with female reproductive systems have higher than normal levels of androgens, a group of hormones that fuel male characteristics. In teenage boys, androgens drive changes like facial hair growth, deeper voice tenor, and broadening of shoulders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the name “polycystic ovary syndrome”, you\u2019d be justified in thinking that the hormone imbalance stems from cysts on your ovaries. But, you don\u2019t need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS. If you match other signs, like biochemical or clinical criteria we explain further below, the diagnosis may be confirmed whether you have cysts or not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do women have male hormones? Healthy ovaries naturally produce a small amount of androgens, as do your adrenal glands. With PCOS, your ovaries and adrenal glands produce higher levels of androgens. The increase in androgens can cause physical symptoms like increased body hair growth, menstrual irregularity, and acne. PCOS and it\u2019s complications can also lead to future health problems like diabetes and heart disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What <\/span>causes PCOS<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

PCOS has been <\/span>called<\/span><\/a> \u201ca collision between blood glucose regulation and reproductive hormones.\u201d For people who are insulin resistant, their bodies have a hard time using glucose efficiently. As a result, glucose builds up in their bloodstream and creates high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels increase the amount of androgens your body produces. The outcome? Hormonal imbalance, the hallmark of PCOS.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being overweight is a risk factor for insulin resistance. But, even lean people who have PCOS usually test positive for insulin resistant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If a patient is overweight, <\/span>weight loss for PCOS<\/span> may improve symptoms. Doctors recommend that patients think of weight loss from a lifestyle-based approach. Eating lots of whole plant foods, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats is a good diet to improve insulin resistance. Low to moderate intensity exercise can also help you feel your best. Since PCOS is a lifelong condition, a healthy lifestyle will help manage symptoms long term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While there are well-documented contributors to PCOS, it\u2019s important to note that researchers haven\u2019t found a clear-cut cause. Genetics, lifestyle factors, inflammation, and insulin resistance are all associated. But, there\u2019s no way to tell for sure whether or not someone will develop PCOS. It\u2019s all down to your individual endocrine system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PCOS signs and symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several signs and symptoms that are often seen with PCOS. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n