September is PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that can impact fertility, overall health, physical and emotional well-being. While often overlooked, it is one of the most common hormone disorders and causes of infertility and in this blog, we hope to help inform, drive awareness and offer support for those affected by PCOS. What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) production, and small cysts (fluid filled sacs) on the ovaries. While the exact cause remains unknown, it can significantly impact a woman’s fertility, leading to challenges in conceiving. While there’s currently no cure, it is a treatable condition. According to Dr. Kathleen Hoeger, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Rochester Medical Center The three clinical criteria of PCOS are:
- Evidence of excess male type hormones, noted either by having elevated blood hormones levels of androgens or excess growth of facial or body hair in areas where men usually have hair
- Irregular periods with menstrual cycles more than 35 days apart or eight or fewer menstrual cycles per year not due to hormonal birth control
- The presence of a high number of eggs on an ovarian ultrasound.
A woman with two of the three above criteria may be diagnosed with PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS
Recognizing the signs of PCOS is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Symptoms can include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Excess hair growth
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Pelvic pain
- Mood swings
PCOS and Fertility
The prevalence of infertility in women diagnosed with PCOS can vary between 70 and 80% and according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), should be evaluated after six months of attempting pregnancy without success. The hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult to conceive naturally. However, with proper diagnosis,treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, many women with PCOS may successfully achieve pregnancy. While there is an increased risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and possible preterm delivery described with PCOS pregnancies, most pregnancies occur without complications.
Supporting Women with PCOS
At Alcea we are committed to providing support and driving awareness for those that need treatment or go undiagnosed due to lack of reliable information about PCOS. Infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally and PCOS is a common cause of infertility. Join the PCOS Challenge launched by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association whose mission is to prioritize the public health support necessary to cure PCOS.
If you suspect you might have PCOS, don’t hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and improving your chances of achieving pregnancy.Let’s work together to raise awareness about PCOS and empower women to take control of their health and fertility. Visit to learn more. https://pcosawarenessmonth.org/what-is-pcos/ to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
https://pcosawarenessmonth.org/what-is-pcos/ https://www.fda.gov/
https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility