September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month! Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries and small cysts on the outer edges of the ovaries, occurring during the reproductive years. The condition affects many people, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and changes in fertility, and often goes undiagnosed. Understanding is key to proper diagnosis and managing its symptoms successfully, yet there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the condition. In this blog, we’re sharing PCOS myths vs. facts to help you better understand the condition.
MYTH: PCOS only affects overweight women.
FACT: Although many people who have polycystic ovary syndrome are overweight, the condition can affect those of all shapes and sizes. While weight gain can be a symptom, there are still many women with PCOS who have a normal or low BMI.
The exact causes of the condition are unclear. It can affect anyone, but factors that can typically play a role are genetics, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and excess androgen.
MYTH: If you have regular periods, you don’t have PCOS.
FACT: Even people with regular periods can have PCOS. The condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, and not everyone will experience menstrual irregularities.
Every person may experience polycystic ovary syndrome differently and missed, irregular, rare, or light periods are only one of the symptoms it can cause. Other common symptoms may include but are not limited to obesity, excess hair growth, hair loss, severe acne, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and infertility.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS, it is important to reach out to your provider so they can help diagnose you and begin managing your symptoms. Early diagnosis may lower the risk of long-term complications.
MYTH: Birth control is the only form of treatment.
FACT: While birth control can help manage symptoms, PCOS treatment is often tailored to individual needs and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments.
Like with many other conditions, treatment is tailored to each patient according to their symptoms, health history, and whether they would like to get pregnant. If you have PCOS and are not planning to become pregnant, there are a variety of treatment options, including birth control pills, diabetes medication, a change in your diet and activity, and/or medication to treat other symptoms you are experiencing.
MYTH: People with PCOS cannot get pregnant.
FACT: While it can make it more difficult to conceive, many people with PCOS can and do get pregnant with the right treatment and support.
In many cases, PCOS causes a lack of the hormone needed for ovulation, causing the ovaries to develop small cysts, which are filled with fluid and contain immature eggs, and fail to release eggs regularly. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome and are looking to get pregnant, possible treatments include a change in diet and activity or medication to cause ovulation.
Remember, PCOS often requires a personalized treatment plan, and our team at Essex County OB/GYN is here to help. If you think you may have PCOS, don’t wait – book an appointment with us today to get the support you need. We believe caring for you means caring about you and we are here to support you through your journey by providing the most comprehensive health care available.