An estimated five million women in the United States live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common but often underdiagnosed condition that can affect fertility, physical health, and emotional well-being.
September marks PCOS Awareness Month, drawing attention to a disorder that remains widely misunderstood. While its name suggests the presence of ovarian cysts, many women with PCOS do not have them. In fact, an expert panel in 2013 recommended that the National Institutes of Health consider renaming the condition, citing confusion that hinders both patient care and research progress.
“Track your menstrual cycle. If you miss a month, let your healthcare provider know. It may not just be stress. Advocate for yourself, ask questions, and seek second opinions when necessary,” said Dr. Ugechi Aguwa, a family medicine physician with Phoebe Health System.
PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility. However, with lifestyle changes such as improved diet and regular exercise, losing even 5% of excess body weight can help restore ovulation and reduce symptoms.
Signs and Diagnosis
A PCOS diagnosis is typically made when at least two of the following three signs are present:
Irregular periods: Women may experience fewer than nine menstrual cycles a year or cycles lasting longer than 35 days. Some face abnormally heavy bleeding.
Polycystic ovaries: Enlarged ovaries with follicles surrounding the eggs may fail to function normally, though cysts are not always present.
Excess androgen: Elevated male hormones can lead to hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), severe acne, or hair thinning.
The exact cause remains unknown. Still, early diagnosis and treatment can help lower the risk of long-term complications, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Common Symptoms
PCOS presents a wide range of symptoms beyond fertility challenges, including:
- Weight gain and difficulty managing obesity.
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality, sometimes linked to sleep apnea.
- Hair-related issues, such as unwanted body hair and thinning scalp hair.
- Skin concerns, including acne and darkened patches of skin.
- Mood changes, depression, and anxiety.
- Pelvic pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
While not every woman with PCOS experiences infertility, many require fertility support to conceive, while others are able to do so naturally.
A Call for Awareness
Experts stress that PCOS is not only a reproductive health concern but a chronic condition that can affect multiple systems in the body. Raising awareness during PCOS Awareness Month aims to empower women with knowledge, promote early diagnosis, and advocate for improved care.
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