Meet Betty* – she’s on a quest for a solution to her irregular periods, which seem to have a mind of their own. Sometimes they come twice a month, other times once in three months. It’s beyond frustrating, and she never knows what to expect. On top of that, Betty is carrying some extra weight (with a BMI of around 29), and she’s noticed unwanted facial hair on her chin and persistent acne along her lower jawline. She’s also concerned about her receding hairline and hair loss.
“I am so frustrated with these unpredictable periods, not to mention this annoying acne!” she exclaims. Betty is feeling the pressure to find a solution.
Betty* is displaying typical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a medical condition that can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods, increased hair growth, infertility, and weight gain. One of its hallmark features is enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, which is why it’s called “polycystic ovaries” (visible on ultrasound). In fact, women with PCOS tend to have more than 15 small cysts on each ovary, while a normal ovary typically has only 1 to 3 small follicles visible.
It is a common hormone disorder in women, affecting roughly five to 15 percent of women of childbearing age. Surprisingly, it can even affect girls as young as 11.
Symptoms
- Menstrual irregularities (either no periods, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding).
- Reduced fertility (often due to lack of ovulation).
- Higher miscarriage rates.
- Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones).
- Increased body hair growth, which can include male pattern baldness.
- Acne, often linked to higher testosterone levels.
- Obesity (around 50% of women with PCOS are obese).
- Insulin resistance.
PCOS and the Link to Insulin Resistance and Obesity
Insulin resistance is a major metabolic issue in PCOS, affecting between 50% and 90% of individuals with the condition. It’s a two-way street: insulin resistance can cause PCOS, and PCOS can worsen insulin resistance. The excess androgens in women with PCOS can lead to insulin resistance and other metabolic problems. High insulin levels may also contribute to inflammation and other metabolic issues associated with PCOS.
PCOS left unchecked can also easily lead to development of type 2 diabetes.
Treatment
The primary focus of treatment for PCOS is addressing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. An ideal way to first adress the insulin resistance is by changing your diet and increasing your physical activity. Doctors often prescribe the same drugs used to treat adult-onset diabetes (like Metformin). These medications can help improve insulin problems, aid in weight loss, reduce male hormones, and sometimes even restore ovulation.
So, if you’re like Betty and experiencing PCOS symptoms, here are some steps to consider:
- Visit your gynecologist for a proper diagnosis.
- Modify your diet to eliminate junk and processed foods.
- Incorporate vegetables and fruits into each meal (aim for veggies to make up 50% of your plate).
- Cut back on sugar and simple carbohydrates (opt for whole grains instead of white bread, for example).
- Engage in convenient exercises like walking or swimming 3-5 times a week.
- Remember to slow down – it’s a remedy for many of life’s challenges!
Check out this blogpost on creating a healthy eating plate for more info on dietary changes.
For Betty and all the women out there dealing with PCOS, there is hope, and there is healing on the horizon!
Happy journey to wellness! XOXO 🌸💪✨
#SeptemeberPCOSAwareness #WellnessJourney #YouAreNotAlone
