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Dec 14, 2024

Debunking the Top PCOS Myths: Understanding PCOS Diagnosis and Symptoms


Do you experience irregular periods, acne, excess body hair, and other symptoms?


These could be signs of PCOS.


PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormone and metabolic condition affecting women worldwide and commonly undiagnosed.


According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affects 8-13% of women world wide and

70% of these women remain undiagnosed, suffer with symptoms, and feel dismissed by their health care team. It can take years to receive a proper PCOS diagnosis.


Women suffer with symptoms, starting in adolescence, including irregular periods, cystic acne, insulin resistance all the way to adulthood leading to unwanted hair growth, unwanted weight gain, putting them at a higher risk of diabetes and most heartbreaking infertility.



PCOS is common, but commonly undiagnosed


Let's Debunking the Top PCOS Myths: Understanding PCOS Diagnosis and Symptoms so you can be informed and feel empowered to advocate for your health.


PCOS Diagnosis: Symptoms, Criteria and Myths


Root cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, primarily due to lack of research and funding towards women’s health. However, what is well known about PCOS is that there’s inflammation, insulin dysregulation and gut dysbiosis.


For example, 70% or more women with PCOS have insulin resistance –as a health coach I encourage clients to consider getting a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), to compliment nutrition and lifestyle modifications we discuss in their coaching sessions.


In women with PCOS, what happens is the ovaries are responding to insulin (eating high carb and processed food diet – not optimal!), causing the ovaries to produce more testosterone and as testosterone levels rise it can lead to insulin resistance –it’s a vicious cycle.


Symptoms of PCOS


  1. Most doctors focus on PCOS from a reproductive lens, but PCOS symptoms can present well before infertility becomes an issue and include: irregular periods, anovulation (no ovulation) or little ovulation. So, if you don’t ovulate regularly, you’re not going to have regular periods, not optimal when trying to get pregnant.


  2. Other symptoms: hyperandrogenism (hair loss on scalp, unwanted hair growth on chin, chest and abdomen), cystic acne on chin area and even back – as a result of high testosterone.


  3. Insulin resistance and blood irregularities too. Both of which can lead to unwanted weight gain around mid-section and inability to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.


  4. But the worst is the mental toll on women’s health, ranging from depression, anxiety, body image issues, low self-esteem and infertility.


Phew…that’s a long list..


Criteria for PCOS Diagnosis:


The formal criteria for diagnosing PCOS is the Rotterdam criteria, requiring 2 of 3 symptoms. No labs are required:


  1. Anovulation: Irregular or missing periods. If you've not been tracking your period start now, even in your 40s) - start tracking your symptoms and gather your own health data, this is vital to reclaiming your health.

  2. Hyperandrogenism: Excess androgens, which can be measured in blood (DHEA sulfate) and can cause symptoms like hair loss on the scalp, unwanted hair growth on the chin, chest, and abdomen, and cystic acne.

  3. Polycystic Ovaries: Diagnosed via an internal ultrasound or high levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH).


Now let's look at the most common myths about PCOS.


Common Myths About PCOS:

  1. Birth Control as the Only Treatment: Birth control doesn't regulate or restore a natural cycle; it stops ovulation, exacerbating infertility.

  2. Ultrasound Requirement for Diagnosis: PCOS can be diagnosed without an ultrasound. Cysts are actually follicles struggling to ovulate.

  3. Weight Gain Causes PCOS: Weight gain is a symptom, not a cause. Losing weight can alleviate symptoms but won't eliminate the diagnosis.

  4. PCOS Only Affects Overweight Women: Women of all body types can have PCOS. Being slim doesn't exclude the possibility of having PCOS.PCOS Symptoms


Conclusion


If you've experienced irregular periods, acne, excess body hair, and other symptoms, they could be signs of PCOS. Understanding and advocating for your health is vital to living a healthy and happy life. Book a call today, and let's start your journey toward better health.



Ready to take control of your health? Book a complimentary session and let's discuss your concerns and goals. Together, we'll create a personalized plan for your wellness journey.
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