5 Things You Might Not Know About PCOS

Women develop an ovarian cyst each month as part of their normal cycle. But for some women, hormonal imbalances and genetics cause many cysts to develop. This condition, called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), creates frustrating symptoms and can lead to additional health complications, including infertility. 

Board-certified OB/GYN Shamsah Amersi, MD, and the team at her private practice in Santa Monica, California, offer expert diagnosis and treatment of PCOS to women in the Greater Los Angeles area.

You already understand PCOS leads to multiple ovarian cysts. But here’s a look at some lesser-known facts about PCOS you might not know. 

1. Multiple hormone imbalances are linked to PCOS

Part of the reason PCOS develops is related to imbalances of different hormones. The primary imbalance linked to PCOS is an overabundance of androgens, male hormones women usually have in small amounts.

However, androgens aren’t the only hormone linked to PCOS. Women with the condition also usually have too much insulin. Insulin plays a key role in breaking down food to energy by helping with blood glucose regulation.

2. PCOS can affect fertility

The hormone issues related to PCOS impact your fertility. This is because the changes these hormone imbalances cause affect your reproductive cycle. 

With normal hormone levels, the ovaries are stimulated each month to grow a cyst containing one of your eggs. The egg is then released for fertilization during ovulation. 

When you have PCOS, your body makes more than one cyst. However, hormone imbalances mean the cysts never mature, so you never truly ovulate and can’t conceive. This can lead to more hormone imbalances and reduce your chances of conception. 

3. Your cycle changes with PCOS

PCOS changes your period. One of the most significant changes is an irregular cycle, which can mean different things, including:

• Periods consistently coming at different intervals
• Spotting between periods
• Missing periods (amenorrhea) 
• Heavy periods
• Painful periods

Be sure to talk to Dr. Amersi if you have any of these period-related symptoms. The sooner you are diagnosed and begin treatment, the more effective your treatment is likely to be. 

4. PCOS is linked to other health conditions 

Since hormonal issues are the root cause of PCOS, the condition is linked to other serious health conditions which affect more than your reproductive cycle. Some of these health problems include:

• Heart disease
• Anxiety and depression
• Endometrial cancer
• Metabolic syndrome
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea

In addition, many women diagnosed with PCOS also get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

5. There are different treatment options for PCOS

Like no two women are the same, Dr. Amersi believes PCOS treatment should be individualized to meet your needs and preferences. One factor to consider is whether you’re trying to have a baby. Another is the severity of your symptoms. 

Remember that the best PCOS results typically develop from a holistic approach to treatment that combines lifestyle changes with medicinal therapies. Your personalized PCOS treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Hormonal contraception
• Medication to manage insulin
• Medication and supplements to improve ovulation and insulin sensitivity
• Use of anti-inflammatories

If you have PCOS, get the help you need to manage your symptoms and improve your overall health by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone for an in-person or virtual visit with Dr. Amersi in Santa Monica, California.