What are the challenges that women with PCOS face?
- Inconsistent menstrual cycles
- Irregular ovulation
- Excess hair growth
- Weight gain and obesity
- Increased risk of health conditions
Overview
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) causes irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, weight gain, and increased health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis and medical care are crucial for managing PCOS and reducing complications.
- Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas urges timely screenings.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women, yet its impact goes beyond irregular periods and fertility concerns. From physical changes to long-term health risks, the challenges women with PCOS face can affect multiple aspects of their well-being.
While these challenges may seem overwhelming, understanding them is the first step toward effective management and improved quality of life. In this article, we’ll guide you in understanding how PCOS affects the body, helping you take proactive steps to manage your condition and improve your well-being.
Inconsistent Menstrual Cycles
Many women with PCOS experience irregular periods, which may be infrequent (oligomenorrhea), too frequent (polymenorrhea), or completely absent (amenorrhea). Additionally, some may have unpredictable bleeding patterns, ranging from very light to excessively heavy flow.
Studies also show that around 75-85% of women with PCOS experience menstrual dysfunction, with more than half having cycles longer than 35 days. Left unmanaged, irregular periods may also increase the risk of long-term complications, such as endometrial abnormalities, emphasizing the need for proper regulation and medical attention.
Irregular Ovulation
Ovulation is a crucial part of the menstrual cycle, occurring when a mature egg is released from the ovary for potential fertilization. In women without hormonal imbalances, this process happens regularly, typically once per cycle.
However, for women with PCOS, ovulation is often inconsistent or absent. This disruption in ovulation also significantly impacts fertility. PCOS is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility, with approximately 90-95% of women seeking treatment for anovulatory issues being diagnosed with the condition.
Without regular ovulation, the chances of conception decrease, making it more challenging for women with PCOS to become pregnant naturally. Even when ovulation does occur, it may be unpredictable, making it difficult to track fertile windows.
Excess Hair Growth
Though various factors can cause it, excess hair growth, also known as Hirsutism, is another symptom that women with PCOS face. This hair can appear in areas where men typically grow it, such as the face, chest, back, and abdomen.
Hirsutism is far more common in women with PCOS than in those without it. While only about 5-15% of women in the general population experience excess hair growth, studies show that 65-75% of women with PCOS struggle with this symptom.
Severity varies; some may have a few stray hairs, while others develop thicker, darker hair. For those affected, it can be one of the most distressing PCOS symptoms.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Research shows that between 40% to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, highlighting that this is a significant concern for a large portion of those affected by the condition. Weight gain is often gradual and persistent, making it particularly challenging for women to manage.
Over time, women with PCOS tend to gain weight at a faster rate than those without the condition, with an average weight increase of 4.62 kg over 19 years. This issue becomes even more pronounced with age, especially after the age of 40, when the risk of obesity can rise to 48.6%.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly insulin resistance, hinder sugar and fat processing, increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Increased Risk of Health Conditions
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of serious health conditions due to hormonal imbalances and metabolic disruptions, particularly insulin resistance. By age 40, over half develop diabetes or prediabetes, with 35% having prediabetes and 10% being diagnosed with diabetes. Impaired blood sugar regulation significantly contributes to this risk.
In addition to these, PCOS also increases the likelihood of other serious health challenges. These include:
- Sleep apnea is often linked to obesity, which is prevalent among women with PCOS.
- Mental health issues: Depression and anxiety are significantly more common in women with PCOS due to the physical and emotional toll the condition takes.
- Endometrial cancer: Chronic anovulation increases the risk of endometrial cancer, especially during the premenopausal period.
- Pregnancy complications: Women with PCOS are more likely to experience conditions like pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with GDM affecting up to 22% of women with PCOS.
Key Takeaway
The challenges women with PCOS face are multifaceted, affecting not only their reproductive health but also their overall well-being. While these challenges may vary in severity from one individual to another, understanding them is crucial for managing symptoms and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
At Perpetual Help Medical Center- Las Pinas, we encourage women to take charge of their health by getting scanned as early as possible. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, minimizing potential complications and helping women manage the challenges of PCOS. Don’t wait—schedule your scan today and take the first step towards better health.
