Top PCOS Questions & Answers

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can occur to women of reproductive age. It may include infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess male hormone (androgen) levels, and follicles developing in the ovaries resulting in eggs failing to be released. (indeI) Check out our in-depth blog post PCOS: What is it?

Is PCOS common?

According to the CDC “PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6% to 12% (as many as 5 million) of US women of reproductive age.”(ii.)

What causes PCOS?

While the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown there are several factors that can play a role including:

• Excess insulin

• Low-grade inflammation

• Heredity

• Excess androgen

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Excessive hair growth; facial hair

• Cysts on ovaries

• Weight gain

• High blood sugar

• Acne

• Infertility

What can I do to lessen PCOS symptoms?

• “Losing weight may help to lower your blood glucose levels, improve the way your body uses insulin, and help your hormones reach normal levels. Even a 10% loss in body weight (for example, a 150-pound woman losing 15 pounds) can help make your menstrual cycle more regular and improve your chances of getting pregnant.” (v)

• Some symptoms, such as hair growth and acne, can be lessened with medications. Talk to your doctor.

How does PCOS affect sleep?

Many women with PCOS have sleep apnea—a disorder that causes breathing to stop during sleep and raises the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Can I conceive with PCOS?

Yes, it is still possible to conceive even with PCOS. However, many women with PCOS do experience infertility. “PCOS can cause problems during pregnancy for you and for your baby."(v) Women with PCOS have higher rates of:

• Miscarriage

• Gestational diabetes

• Preeclampsia

• Cesarean section (C-section)

What treatments are available for PCOS?

There are medications one can take to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce body hair and acne, as well as improve insulin's ability to lower blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about which medications can work for you.

The best overall treatment for PCOS is lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise.

I have PCOS. Will I develop Type II Diabetes?

According to the CDC, “more than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40.” (ii) However, with lifestyle changes, one can significantly reduce the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes.

How effective are lifestyle changes in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Even a "Small weight loss (5 %) can improve IR, hyperandrogenism, menstrual function, [and] fertility."(iv)

Does exercise improves PCOS symptoms?

Yes! Exercise can help you lose weight and this study found that doing “10 minutes of vigorous weekly exercise was associated with a reduced odds of metabolic syndrome." Want to learn more? Check out our blog post PCOS: Excercise.

What kind of diet improves PCOS symptoms?

Even without weight loss, your diet can also help improve many symptoms of PCOS. (ACOG.,2009; reaffirmed 2015). There are several diets you can follow to reduce blood sugar levels and increase the micronutrients you need. To learn more read our previous blog post PCOS: Nutrition

**Disclaimer: PCOS is a serious illness that may require medical attention and treatment. Please consult with your physician before starting a nutrition and fitness program.**

---

References

i. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). (2017, August 29). Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

ii. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes. (2020, March 24). Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html

iii. How effective are lifestyle changes in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? (2019, November 11). Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.medscape.com/answers/256806-26839/how-effective-are-lifestyle-changes-in-the-treatment-of-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos

iv. Rondanelli M;Perna S;Faliva M;Monteferrario F;Repaci E;Allieri F;. (n.d.). Focus on Metabolic and Nutritional Correlates of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Update on Nutritional Management of These Critical Phenomena. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25200687/

v. Polycystic ovary syndrome. (2019, April 01). Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome