Wondering if your irregular cycles or struggles to conceive might be caused by PCOS? Take our short PCOS symptoms quiz for a quick assessment and learn what to do next.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine condition that causes hormonal imbalances, typically in girls and women of reproductive age. These hormonal imbalances can also prevent regular ovulation and the release of an egg to meet the sperm, often resulting in fertility issues.
But PCOS doesn't just affect women of reproductive age - it can impact life far beyond these years, stretching into menopause and contributing to other health issues. PCOS also affects people who don't identify as women (including non-binary, queer, and trans folks), and excluding them from the narrative can lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced awareness.
If you suspect you might have PCOS or want to learn more about its common symptoms, take the short quiz below or skip ahead to explore frequently asked questions about the condition.
This quiz is provided for informational purposes only. Content is not intended to substitute a comprehensive consult with a trained medical professional. Always consult a medical professional with any questions you may have regarding your health.
How to Calculate Your Score
If you selected A for most questions above, you are showing some of the most common signs of PCOS. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with an endocrinologist for further exploration.
If you selected B for most questions above, you may be exhibiting some signs of PCOS. We still encourage you to see an endocrinologist for an evaluation.
If you selected C for most questions above, you are likely not experiencing many common symptoms of PCOS. However, speaking with your primary doctor or an endocrinologist may still be helpful, as they can help rule out this or other conditions.
Here are some good next steps to take:
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The exact cause of PCOS is currently unknown, and it is thought to be multifactorial, meaning several factors may contribute to its development. Some studies show that there is a genetic component, and it tends to run in families. Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother, sister, or aunt who was also diagnosed with PCOS in the past.
The Rotterdam Criteria is the most widely accepted criteria used to diagnose PCOS. Patients must possess two of the following three features: irregular or absent ovulation, symptoms or lab work that indicate high androgen levels (hormones such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and polycystic-appearing ovaries.
Occasionally, patients receive a PCOS diagnosis because they have had an ovarian cyst or elevated AMH level, but these are not part of the criteria. Early confirmation of PCOS is key in adopting a healthier lifestyle that can prevent many unwanted symptoms of PCOS.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms caused by PCOS can be managed accordingly. Lifestyle changes may help to restore ovulation and achieve pregnancy, including introducing dietary changes and exercise goals.
It is best to work with your PCOS team to develop a multidisciplinary treatment plan that caters specifically to you and your goals.
Some common signs and symptoms of PCOS are as follows:
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels in the body. After eating, blood glucose levels rise, and insulin brings glucose from the blood into the cells to give them energy. Insulin resistance occurs when your body makes enough insulin, but the insulin is not being used effectively.
When this occurs, blood glucose levels can be higher than normal, and the body works harder and produces more insulin in response. If the pancreas cannot keep up with the extra insulin produced, type 2 diabetes may develop.
Patients with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, so it is important to check this with blood work. The best test to assess your glucose and insulin metabolism is a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test.
If you do not plan to become pregnant, birth control pills (OCPs) can be used to regulate periods, reduce androgens in the blood, and clear acne.
If you do want to achieve pregnancy, oral/injectable medicine can be used to achieve ovulation. If insulin resistance plays a role in PCOS, the medication Metformin might be utilized. Metformin can help to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, resulting in improved blood glucose levels.
Injectable GLP-1 RA medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro are another option to explore.
Birth control pills (OCPs) may be prescribed to regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth. However, OCPs will not affect or improve insulin resistance.
Absolutely, but some women may require help from a reproductive endocrinologist to achieve pregnancy. Most people who have fertility challenges due to PCOS do not ovulate on their own. Thankfully, there are simple treatments that can help induce ovulation, most notably oral medications to stimulate follicle growth.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option for many patients with PCOS, depending on their personal circumstances. It’s best to discuss your specific case with a reproductive endocrinologist if you feel that fertility treatment may be right for you.
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PCOS can cause a variety of health issues, so it's important to be proactive. Unfortunately, there can be a correlation between PCOS and weight gain, gestational diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, making it all the more important to know how to mitigate your risk factors.
Note: Not everyone who has PCOS struggles with excess weight. Around 20% of patients have what's called lean PCOS.
People with PCOS are also at higher risk for hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and sleep apnea. It is important to see your doctor regularly, have a good diet and exercise regimen, and keep up to date with health screenings.
Diet can impact insulin resistance in PCOS, and it is important that patients diagnosed with PCOS know how this occurs. Nutritionists are trained to help aid and teach patients about realistic and sustainable ways to eat and understand the impact of food on insulin levels with a diagnosis of PCOS.
Nutritionists are also able to break down blood work results and help teach patients how to tailor their diet and exercise regimen to improve insulin levels, aid in weight loss, and adapt to a healthier lifestyle. We recommend seeking out a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), as they have more specialized training than a nutritionist who doesn't hold those credentials.
Blood levels can fluctuate with different treatment protocols. It is recommended that you follow up with routine blood work, whether that be every six months or annually. Every patient’s PCOS diagnosis is a little different, so treatment protocols are tailored accordingly on a patient-by-patient basis.
If you are started on a medication or treatment regimen, it is important to check blood work to ensure your specific treatment protocol is still working for you and no changes need to be made to medications. Occasionally, a dose may be too high or too low for a patient, and blood work will tell us if adjustments need to be made.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of PCOS can offer helpful insight into what might be going on in your own body. However, it is always important to seek out a qualified medical professional for a more comprehensive evaluation in order to determine whether you have PCOS and what (if any) treatments you might require.
Awareness is the first step in understanding this complex endocrine condition, but taking action is even more important, given the increased risk of other health challenges with PCOS. Reach out to a PCOS expert today to take control of your symptoms and learn how you can not only survive, but thrive with PCOS!