Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) plays a significant role in the realm of female infertility, affecting millions of women worldwide. In the UK alone, over 3 million women live with PCOS, and 8 – 13% of women of reproductive age are affected by it. What’s concerning is that nearly 70% of these women may be undiagnosed, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and education.

In this first part of my series on PCOS, I’m going to break down what PCOS really is, clearing up some myths and giving you the facts. We’ll chat about the main symptoms, how it can impact your periods, and what it means for fertility.

Symptoms Can Include:
  • Pain in the pelvic region
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Increased abdominal weight
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Skin tags
  • Unusual hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, and back
  • “Cysts” on the ovaries
The Misconception Behind the Name

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, isn’t as straightforward as the name suggests. While “cysts” hints at multiple cysts, most women with PCOS don’t actually have these on their ovaries. Instead, ultrasounds reveal small, follicle-like structures, which are not true cysts but collections of immature follicles. In 2016, researchers suggested renaming PCOS to “oestrogenic ovulatory dysfunction,” “functional female hyperandrogenism,” or “metabolic reproductive syndrome” as a more accurate term for the description of the condition.

Understanding the Impact of PCOS on Menstrual Cycles and Ovulation

In a typical menstrual cycle, several follicles start to develop in the ovaries, with one usually maturing into an egg ready for ovulation. The rest typically shrink and are reabsorbed by the body. PCOS can interfere with this natural disintegration process, resulting in cystic formations that can be detected through ultrasound imaging.

 


Beyond fertility, PCOS is linked to recurrent miscarriages and an increased risk of abnormalities in fetuses due to hormonal fluctuations that may affect the uterine environment. Additionally, hormonal imbalances in PCOS can impact fetal development

This disruption often results in anovulation—where ovulation doesn’t occur, accounting for 80% of infertility cases in PCOS or oligo-ovulation, marked by infrequent ovulation. These irregularities can extend or eliminate menstrual cycles, complicating conception efforts. Women with regular periods (approx 26-31 days) also experience ovulatory dysfunction.

Women with longer cycles may also face challenges with ovulatory dysfunction as you can see in the image below

Screenshot
More Than Just Fertility Challenges

PCOS is a metabolic condition affecting more than just fertility. Beyond conception difficulties, it’s linked to recurrent miscarriages and an increased risk of abnormalities in fetuses due to hormonal fluctuations that may affect the uterine environment. Additionally, hormonal imbalances in PCOS can impact fetal development.

While ovarian “cysts” can be a symptom, other signs like acne, weight gain, male-pattern hair loss, hair in unwanted places, and irregular periods are common among women with PCOS. Interestingly, some women have no symptoms, making diagnosis tricky. The condition’s effects extend beyond visible symptoms—women with PCOS may face higher risks for diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

The effects of PCOS go beyond what is visibly apparent. Women with this condition often experience hormonal imbalances that can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes. Hormonal changes can also raise cholesterol levels, which can heighten the risk of heart disease. That’s why regular check-ups and proactive care are so important! I’ll dive deeper into this in part 2 of my blog. 

On a hopeful note, PCOS can be effectively managed—and even reversed—through simple yet impactful interventions, which I’ll cover in part 3 of this blog series, so stay tuned! 


Final Thoughts 

Understanding PCOS is crucial for anyone struggling with its complex effects. By unpacking what PCOS involves, we reveal its widespread prevalence and common symptoms that might be overlooked. It’s  important to clear up misunderstandings because it helps explain the condition and encourages open conversations. Recognising how PCOS affects menstrual cycles and fertility highlights the need for timely diagnosis and management.

As I wrap up this introduction, it’s evident that awareness and education are essential in effectively addressing PCOS
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Coming Up in Part 2

In part 2 of my PCOS blog series, we will look at the different types of PCOS: insulin-resistant PCOS, adrenal PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, and post-pill PCOS. We’ll also highlight what makes each type unique

I’ll also discuss significant health concerns related to PCOS that extend beyond fertility, providing a fuller picture of how this condition can impact your overall well-being. Plus, I’ll guide you through the key testing processes for PCOS, offering insights to help you better understand your journey and take control of your health and fertility. 

Ready to take charge of your PCOS journey? Let’s chat today and see how we can help you manage it better!