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Popular myths about polycystic ovary syndrome

If you are among the several people who think polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a rare disorder, this article is for you. It is myths like this that cause this rather common disorder to go undiagnosed and therefore, untreated. The fact is that PCOS is a very common metabolic disorder affecting premenopausal women. It has been estimated that 5 to 7 million women in the US alone suffer from PCOS. A proper understanding of the facts and debunking the myths surrounding PCOS will help manage the condition more effectively. Through this article, we hope to dispel some of the myths that shroud this rather common disorder.


PCOS is a gynecological disorder

As many of the symptoms of PCOS involve the reproductive system, PCOS is often considered a gynecological disorder. However, it is important to understand that PCOS is actually a disorder of the endocrine system, involving hormones and hormone production. It would, therefore, be wise to consult a specialist in endocrinology to confirm diagnosis and treatment. Most women end up seeking help from a gynecologist, who will initiate treatment from only a reproductive perspective. A reproductive endocrinologist is, in fact, the most qualified physician to accurately diagnose and treat PCOS.

Women with PCOS produce slightly higher amounts of ‘male hormones’ also known as androgens. These androgens are important in developing strong bones and muscle strength in women. However, higher levels lead to hormone imbalance and interfere with ovulation. These elevated hormonal levels are ultimately responsible for irregular or infrequent ovulation, which results in irregular or infrequent vaginal bleeding.

I can recognize the symptoms if I have PCOS

PCOS often remains undiagnosed due to its many confusing and seemingly unrelated symptoms. Due to the complex nature of the disorder and the vagueness of the associated symptoms, it is never obvious that a person has PCOS. It is not really possible to ‘know’ if you have PCOS. Although, in some women, the symptoms are clear cut, in many cases it can take even years to reach a correct diagnosis. If you are having trouble conceiving or have any of the symptoms of PCOS, see your healthcare provider to explore the possibility of you having PCOS. Some of the tests that may need to be performed in order to reach a diagnosis include a pelvic ultrasound, blood tests to check hormone levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and a blood sugar test.

PCOS only affects women above 30 years of age

Though it was once believed that PCOS only affected premenopausal women in their 30s and above, the truth is that the disorder can affect females of all ages, even adolescents. As a result of this myth, several cases of PCOS in adolescent girls go undiagnosed and only come to light at a later stage in life. Awareness among teenage girls about PCOS and its symptoms can help in prompt diagnosis and treatment. In many instances, proper nutrition and daily exercise can help regulate the endocrine system and thereby eliminate some of the symptoms of this disorder.

Only overweight women suffer from PCOS

This is far from the truth. Although several overweight women suffer from POCS, it can affect thin women too. Many cases of PCOS are detected in women who are not at all overweight. It is true that PCOS can lead to an increase in weight and obesity, yet not all women who suffer from PCOS are overweight. In fact, newer theories suggest that there exist two forms of PCOS: one that causes insulin resistance and hence weight gain, and the other which simply causes menstrual irregularities. This assumption that PCOS is associated with obesity makes diagnosis in thin women difficult.

Women with PCOS can never conceive

Some women with PCOS are able to conceive with no assistance, others require minor assistance and others might be successful with IVF. It just depends on the severity of your condition. Although PCOS can pose several complications in conception, it does not prevent you from conceiving. Many women who suffer from PCOS believe that IVF is their only option. However, it is possible to conceive with less invasive treatments. In several cases, losing at least 5 percent body weight, correcting nutritional deficiencies, reducing stress and restoring hormonal balance through medication can help restore ovulation. With proper treatment and a few lifestyle changes, many women having PCOS have gone on to have healthy babies. You can have PCOS and still have babies when you are ready.

I do not have ovarian cysts, so I do not have PCOS

This myth has probably arisen due to the misleading name given to this disorder. Many assume that PCOS is present only in women who have ovarian cysts. The fact is that you could have PCOS even though there may be no cysts present on your ovaries. Cysts on the ovaries are only a possible symptom of the disorder. PCOS is a hormone-related disorder and ovarian cysts do not necessarily have to be present if you have PCOS. Some women do not have cysts on their ovaries but still suffer from PCOS, which may be indicated through other symptoms. On the other hand, there are women who have cysts on their ovaries but do not have PCOS.

PCOS is a concern only if you want to conceive

For many women with PCOS, conception is the biggest concern, but PCOS has many other concerns as well. The disorder can highly impact a woman’s femininity and self esteem. Depression is another major concern in patients suffering from PCOS. Physical issues such as excess facial hair, hair loss, weight gain, and acne can cause a lot of distress. A major health concern underlying PCOS is insulin resistance and it should be dealt with at the earliest in order to prevent the risk of diabetes. In addition, when you do not ovulate every month (as a consequence of PCOS), your body is deprived of progesterone, thus making you more susceptible to conditions like fibroids, breast cancer, and endometriosis.

PCOS goes away after menopause, or a hysterectomy or oophorectomy will fix it

After menopause, some PCOS symptoms such as menstrual irregularities may, obviously, subside. This leads to a false belief that the PCOS has been cured. But, the underlying metabolic causes of PCOS will still remain. Although several changes will occur, menopause does not cure PCOS. Post menopause, women may still experience excess hair and acne, weight gain etc.

A hysterectomy does not cure PCOS either. As with menopause, issues with menstruation will stop, but it won’t stop the other symptoms. Many women with PCOS assume that a hysterectomy or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) is a suitable treatment option for PCOS. But, the truth is that PCOS is not a syndrome that just affects the ovaries. It is related to hormonal and metabolic issues that will not go away by removal of the ovaries.

Oral contraceptives will ‘regulate’ my cycle

Oral contraceptives are usually the primary treatment for women with PCOS and involve a combination of hormones that regulates menstrual periods and ovulation and reduces hirsutism and acne. Thus, although it may seem as though they ‘regulate’ your menstrual cycle, this is not really true.

Oral contraceptives are used in PCOS to induce regular menses. However, they only provide the body with artificial hormones, thus simulating a normal cycle. Oral contraceptives will bring on regular periods and can reduce symptoms such acne and excess hair. However, the underlying disorder still remains uncorrected.

All PCOS patients develop diabetes

This is, surprisingly, not true. As many as 80 percent of PCOS patients who have insulin resistance have normal beta cells and, although, these patients are at a twofold increased risk of atherosclerosis and vascular abnormalities, they do not show the signs of elevated blood sugar as seen in diabetes patients.

Natural remedies are not effective in treating PCOS

The truth is that there is a lot of research that supports herbal medicine, acupuncture, vitamins and nutritional supplements. Natural treatments for PCOS can provide relief to women suffering from PCOS symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, irregular periods, weight gain, etc.

Alternative methods like homeopathy and ayurveda also claim to treat PCOS effectively. These methods follow a holistic approach in treating the disorder.

While seeking natural treatments, it is important to be beware of scams that promise miracle cures. Always seek help from qualified health practitioners.

There is no cure for PCOS

Well, technically it is true that there is no cure for PCOS. However, there are many treatments available that can help control the disorder. In addition, a few lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and regular exercise can make a significant difference. There are various treatments that can improve your health and fertility too.

Treatment is usually symptomatic. For instance, a drug such as Metformin may be prescribed to combat insulin resistance. Depending on your other symptoms you may be given medication to combat acne or excess hair growth.

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