Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness

Written by Elizabeth Montoya and Edited by Alexander Alva

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is a common condition that affects women, yet most are not aware that they have it. In fact, in a study conducted, 70% of women with PCOS did not know that they had this condition [1]. PCOS is not a new condition; in fact, its symptoms were first described in 1721 by Italian physician Antonio Vallisneri when treating his patients [2]. It is crucial that awareness starts now because this syndrome affects women at a young age, and there is currently no known cure.

PCOS is a condition in which women’s hormonal levels become abnormal [3]. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder for women [4]. This can affect individuals’ lives without them being aware of the reason behind it. The National Institute of Health (NIH) classifies PCOS as a combination of health concerns including menstrual issues, such as an irregular menstrual cycle and clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism in which women have an increased amount of testosterone in their body [1]. Individuals with PCOS may also have polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries become enlarged due to an increase in fluid-filled sacs called follicles that surround the eggs [5]. 

Women from any race or ethnicity are at risk for PCOS, but women with a family history of PCOS are at an increased risk [6]. It is not fully certain what causes PCOS but there are different avenues on how PCOS begins. PCOS begins to afflict individuals at the beginning of puberty or during any period of their life when they can have children. However, most women first find out that they have PCOS when they have difficulty becoming pregnant [7]. 

Each case of PCOS is unique, but there are four standard types of PCOS [8]. The first type is classical polycystic ovary PCOS; this includes chronic anovulation, a condition where the woman’s egg does not release, causing infertility, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The second type is classic non-polycystic ovary PCOS, which includes chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism and normal ovaries. The third type is non-classic ovulatory PCOS, which includes regular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The fourth type is non-classic mild PCOS that includes chronic anovulation, normal androgens, and polycystic ovaries. All types of PCOS can overlap with one another because PCOS diagnostics are on a spectrum. Other symptoms include the following: resistance to insulin, hormone imbalance, acne, weight gain around the abdomen, and excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). [9]. 

Currently, no cure for PCOS exists; however, there are options for individuals to minimize the effects of PCOS. This includes a change in diet and incorporating moderate exercise in their health plan [10]. There are also options for medications to help improve the menstrual cycle, such as a birth control pill because it contains estrogen and progestin [10].

Becoming aware of PCOS is critical for individuals in order to improve their quality of life since untreated PCOS can negatively impact the individual’s long-term life [11]. The next step after becoming aware is to advocate for oneself and speak with a healthcare professional that can assist with these concerns. This includes having a list of concerns and questions to the healthcare provider, along with a record of the patient’s menstrual cycle and endocrine health [10].

References:

1. March, W.A., Moore, V.M., Wilson, K.J., Phillips, D.I.W., Norman, R.J., Davies, M.J. (2010). The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria. Human Reproduction, 25:544–551. 
2. Speca, S., Napolitano, C., Tagliaferri, G. (2007). The pathogenetic enigma of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Ultrasound, 10:153-160. 
3. Watson, Stephanie. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media, April 19, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease. Accessed 20 June 2021. 
4. Tehrani, F.R., Behboudi-Gandevani, S. (2015). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Contemporary Gynecologic Practice, 1:79-93.
5. NHS, “Overview- Polycystic ovary syndrome.” Crown. 01 February 2019, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/. Accessed 19 June 2021.
6. OASH, “Polycystic ovary syndrome.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 01 April 2019, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome. Accessed 19 June 2021.
7. Trivax, B., Azziz, R. (2007). Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 50:168-77.
8. El Hayek, S., Bitar, L., Hamdar, L.H., Mirza, F.G., Daoud, G. (2016). PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Updated Overview. Frontiers in physiology, 7:1-9. 
9. John Hopkins, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).”  John Hopkins, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos. Accessed 20 June 2021. 
10. Mayo Clinic Staff, “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 03 October 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443.Accessed 20 June 2021.
11. Brady, C., Mousa, S.S., Mousa, S.A. (2009). Polycystic ovary syndrome and its impact on women’s quality of life: More than just an endocrine disorder. Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, 1:9–15.