Persistent menstrual irregularities, abnormal hair growth, and difficulty conceiving are just a few of the most common symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age (6% to 13%) are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS.
This common hormonal disorder may seem complex, but understanding how it works is the first step to getting your health back on track. Here are some ideas to help you find a healthy balance and improve your quality of life.
The term "polycystic ovaries" can be confusing. What it refers to aren’t true cysts in the medical sense, but rather an accumulation of small, immature follicles on the surface of the ovaries, which can be seen on an ultrasound.
This syndrome occurs when the ovaries produce an abnormally high amount of androgens, a type of hormone that is generally present in low levels in women. This excess disrupts the normal ovulation cycle, preventing the follicles from maturing properly and releasing an egg each month.
The exact causes of PCOS are not yet well known. However, several risk factors have been identified by medical research:
If your mother or sister has PCOS, your chances of developing it are significantly higher than if they don’t. Genetic factors play an important role in the transmission of this syndrome.
When your cells don’t respond correctly to insulin, your pancreas produces more of it. This excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, resulting in a vicious circle. This explains why being overweight or having a diet rich in refined sugars often aggravates symptoms of PCOS.
Recent research shows that mild but persistent inflammation in the body can stimulate polycystic ovaries and increase androgen production.
Did you know? According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, PCOS is the most common endocrine cause of infertility in women, but it’s also one of the most treatable with appropriate support. To find out more, ask your pharmacist.
The symptoms of PCOS can differ from one woman to another, making this condition hard to diagnose. However, if you notice multiple symptoms affecting your menstrual cycle and/or physical appearance, it’s worth consulting a health care professional.
Irregular or missed periods: menstrual cycles lasting more than 35 days, missed periods for several months in a row, or a complete absence of periods are all important warning signs. This irregularity is explained by the absence or irregularity of ovulation.
Difficulty predicting ovulation: if you’re trying to conceive, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to figure out when you’re ovulating. Some women with PCOS simply don’t ovulate, a phenomenon known as anovulation.
A precise medical diagnosis is essential, not only to confirm the presence of PCOS, but also to prevent its potential repercussions on your overall long-term health. The diagnostic process requires a comprehensive assessment that goes well beyond the more apparent symptoms.
In order to diagnose PCOS, at least two of the following three signs must be present:
Note: an ultrasound scan showing polycystic ovaries is not enough to establish a diagnosis on its own. Many women can have this appearance on an ultrasound without having PCOS. The syndrome can only be confirmed if the patient meets multiple criteria.
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. According to Diabetes Canada, up to 40% of women with PCOS will develop prediabetes or type 2 diabetes by age 40.
PCOS is associated with a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea, especially in overweight women.
In the absence of a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) does not renew itself in the usual way, which can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and, in rare cases, even endometrial cancer.
PCOS is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, which can be partly attributed to hormonal fluctuations and the impact of physical symptoms on the person’s self-esteem.
This is often the question that women of childbearing age who have been diagnosed with PCOS are most concerned with. The good news is that yes, pregnancy is entirely possible, even if it may require medical support.
PCOS is indeed a common cause of infertility, but it’s important to note that it’s also one of the most treatable. The main problem is the absence of regular ovulation, or anovulation. Without ovulation, no eggs are released, making natural conception difficult, if not impossible.
There are several approaches that can help you resume a regular cycle of ovulation and increase your chances of conception.
Ovulation tracking: Even with irregular cycles, some women still ovulate occasionally. Careful monitoring (using ovulation tests and/or temperature tracking) can help you understand your own cycle and maximize your chances of ovulation.
You can also make certain lifestyle changes. For many women with PCOS, losing just 5% to 10% of their body weight can be enough to restart natural ovulation. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet also play a key role in improving PCOS and your overall health.
For even better results, there are also certain medications that can be prescribed to stimulate ovulation, such as clomiphene citrate and metformin. Your doctor will assess the most appropriate option for your situation.
In some cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may also be recommended. Success rates in women with PCOS are generally good.
Did you know? According to the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, with appropriate treatment, over 80% of women with PCOS manage to ovulate, and many are able to successfully conceive.
If you have no plans to get pregnant in the near future, hormonal contraception may be a great option for you. Combination birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone) are often the first-line treatment for PCOS, as they regulate your menstrual cycles while also reducing acne and hirsutism and protecting your endometrium.
Other options, such as the vaginal ring, contraceptive patch, or certain hormonal IUDs, may also be suitable. We recommend talking to your doctor or pharmacist to find the method that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and health goals.
Although PCOS is a chronic condition with no definitive “cure,” a holistic approach combining a healthy lifestyle and targeted treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and restore a satisfactory hormonal balance.
Unfortunately, PCOS is a chronic condition that will probably stay with you for the rest of your life. The aim of treatment is not to cure it, but rather to effectively manage symptoms so you can live a full and healthy life. Many women are able to become syptom-free through lifestyle changes and regular medical follow-ups.
There’s no miracle cure! Every woman is different, and what works for one may not necessarily work for another. Always trust the advice of health care professionals. Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist can provide you with all the information you need.
Before you even think about medication, the first step towards taming PCOS is to consider your lifestyle and diet. The recommended changes may seem simple, but their impact on your hormonal balance is real.
Choose foods with a low glycemic index to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin production. Opt for whole grains, legumes, green vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit refined sugars and processed foods, which aggravate inflammation.
Regular exercise is essential to reducing insulin resistance, one of the central mechanisms of PCOS. Consider adding brisk walks, cycling, swimming, or yoga into your daily routine to improve your insulin sensitivity, promote hormonal balance, and support your mental well-being.
If you’re overweight, losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can restore regular menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, and reduce hirsutism and acne.
Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that aggravates insulin resistance and further upsets your hormonal balance.
Each situation and each symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome is unique to each woman. Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist has the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the process of understanding and managing your condition. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment to get personalized advice, discuss your medication options, and benefit from ongoing support in your journey. You can also visit your local store for more information. At Brunet, we know what we’re talking about!
You may change the store at any time.