PCOS

2022 - 9 - 20

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Irish Examiner"

Skin Nerd: How to manage PCOS-related acne (Irish Examiner)

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month and so today, I want to talk about how this medical condition can affect the skin.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Motherly Inc."

It's a myth that you can't get pregnant with PCOS (Motherly Inc.)

A fertility expert shares his top tips on getting pregnant with PCOS, busting the myth that you can't get pregnant with PCOS. Learn more about managing PCOS ...

[Depression, anxiety and perceived stress in women with and without PCOS: a community-based study](https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291718002076). You may also want to consider working with a nutritionist (particularly one who specializes in PCOS) as you get started. By getting a complete picture of how your body tolerates and processes sugars, you can ensure that your levels are within a healthy range —or work with your care team to lower them if needed. Before you embark on pregnancy and parenthood, consider seeking out mental health counseling or talking to your doctor or another trusted person about how you’re feeling. Any action you take with the intention of reducing your stress levels, practicing self-reflection, or increasing your level of happiness counts as self-care. Want to give yourself the best chance at a healthy pregnancy and baby? Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself or switch doctors if you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed. When in doubt, always ask your doctor for guidance. While the condition can sometimes make conceiving a little more difficult, not all women with PCOS experience fertility issues—and the majority go on to have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies. There are also more advanced treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) if needed, which typically have [very good success rates](https://medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/913757) for those with PCOS. Additionally, women with PCOS are at higher risk for anxiety and depression. Many women with PCOS are able to conceive on their own, and those who can’t will usually respond quite well to low-level fertility treatments like ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Jamaica Observer"

Why you should be worried about PCOS (Jamaica Observer)

POLYCYSTIC Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility affecting millions of women worldwide. And this lifelong health ...

We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received. - We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. • Multiple small cysts on the ovaries: Just having ovarian cysts isn't enough for a diagnosis. You may visit a dermatologist for acne, hair growth, or darkening of the skin in body creases and folds such as the back of the neck (acanthosis nigricans); a gynaecologist for irregular monthly periods; and your family doctor for weight gain, not realising these symptoms are all part of PCOS. It can also develop in the 20s or 30s. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant; their bodies can make insulin but can't use it effectively, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Chicago Tribune"

Regina Townsend: My experience with PCOS taught me that ... (Chicago Tribune)

Over a decade ago, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, better known as PCOS, a metabolic, hormonal and genetic disorder that affects 1 in 10 ...

For the thousands of people affected by conditions such as these, their overall health and the equity of their care should receive far more concern than we give attention to. Regina Townsend is an award-winning youth librarian, infertility advocate and founder of The Broken Brown Egg, an internationally recognized reproductive health organization. When honestly, reproductive health has far less to do with reproduction itself than one might think, and until we stop being squeamish about discussing things that happen “down there,” people with ovaries will continue to face disproportionate care and lower quality of life. The insulin resistance caused by PCOS leads 35% of women with PCOS to develop prediabetes. It almost seems to be just the mention of the term “reproductive” that somehow clouds the conversation, with people immediately thinking about sex and babies. People with PCOS are three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer and carry twice the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Jagran English"

International PCOS Awareness Month: All You Need To Know About ... (Jagran English)

SEPTEMBER is marked as International PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work.

Women with PCOS can eventually experience depression and anxiety. Sleep Apnea- It is a condition of repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupts sleep. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Weight gain- PCOS as a condition can result in increased weight. Hair Growth- The women with females grow hair on their face and body including back and belly. This provides women with an opportunity to share their experiences with PCOS and helps to educate women not affected by the disease.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mirage News"

More awareness, education needed to better treat polycystic ovary ... (Mirage News)

By the time she was 15, Sarah Chambers knew something wasn't right with her body. “I was late getting my first period, I'd only have a couple a year.

On top of that, 75 per cent of the respondents weren’t told about the health risks linked to PCOS. It’s not about being lazy and not eating well.” “I didn’t think I’d have to worry about any of that stuff in my twenties at all,” Chambers says. Women should also [advocate](#) for themselves during doctors’ appointments, she adds. The first line intervention in PCOS is improving nutrition and lifestyle. “You start gaining weight seemingly out of nowhere and everyone thinks you just have to exercise more and eat better. “Given what we have learned, if a cardiologist sees a female patient they should also ask for a menstrual-reproductive history. Then, at age 27, her cholesterol started climbing, and it wasn’t until she took part in a University of Alberta “I was like, OK, and so I went home and Googled it and I started crying. It was frustrating.” It wasn’t until, frustrated and pressing for more answers a few years later, the young Alberta woman first heard her doctor make passing mention of something called polycystic ovary syndrome. Because it was me and everything I was dealing with.”

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TheHealthSite"

Can Women Suffering From PCOS Get Pregnant? Follow These ... (TheHealthSite)

Women who are suffering from PCOS can also conceive a child through normal ways by simply changing certain aspects of their lifestyle. TheHealthSite.com.

It checks your urine to let you know when you are most likely to become pregnant. Also consume enough fiber, protein and fats that are healthy as these will help you lower your blood sugar levels and insulin levels. You can get ovulation kits from any local pharmacy, which function very similarly to a pregnancy test, to determine when you are ovulating. If your cause of stress is some serious mental health issues then check with a therapist. Because of them, it can be very difficult for a woman to conceive a child and get pregnant. Too much stress has a negative impact on this hormone so, by reducing it women can increase their chances of getting pregnant. One aspect which is absolutely essential for fertility is balanced hormones and healthy adrenals. But, know that women suffering from this condition can indeed get pregnant. Some ways to de-stress is by meditating, practicing breathing exercises, doing yoga, even fun activities to boost your mood. Following these rules diligently might beat all odds and increase women's fertility. Though the exact cause of infertility is unknown, it is thought and various studies have demonstrated that you can become pregnant with lifestyle modifications and a healthy diet. These irregularities occur mainly as a consequence of PCOS.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "GMA News Online"

PCOS is a lifelong diagnosis — here's how you can control its ... (GMA News Online)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a condition among women caused by hyperinsulinemia, or having more insulin in the blood than usual.

Lapada adds you can't just to pinpoint PCOS to one cause because "it's multifactorial. Angelynn Sianghao-Lapada said PCOS is a lifelong disease. While it's incurable, PCOS symptoms and triggers are manageable.

A national trial aiming to reduce pregnancy loss for women with ... (Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust)

It's National Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and we wanted to shed light on a clinical trial supported by our Women's Hospital in partnership with ...

Stay tuned for the results of the LOCI trial and how this may go on to support women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We have recruited over 850 women and look forward to recruiting many more to reach our target and improve the care and efficacy of fertility treatment for women with PCOS.” These drugs are typically used in ‘ovulation induction’, encouraging the release of eggs (ova), improving the chances of conception for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) trying to get pregnant.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "DNA India"

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: What are the symptoms of PCOS and ... (DNA India)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a syndrome where women have a hormonal imbalance and irregular menses.

Infertility due to PCOS is increasing in young women due to western diet, sedentary habits. The important thing to understand is that the term PCOS is a misnomer. Irregular menses is the first indication of PCOS. It’s commonly seen in women of reproductive age group - 17-36 years. The diagnosis is made by blood tests for hormones and sonography of the pelvis. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a syndrome where women have a hormonal imbalance and irregular menses.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Verywell Health"

PCOS Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know (Verywell Health)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Here's what you should know about PCOS.

[Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0715/p106.html). [Geographical prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome as determined by region and race/ethnicity](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112589). [Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among the privately insured, United States, 2003–2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22921097/). [become pregnant](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-pregnancy-5192450). [Long-term cardiometabolic disease risk in women with PCOS: a systematic review and meta-analysis](https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmaa029). The [classic triad](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-classic-triad-of-pcos-2616694) includes obesity, [hirsutism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-i-have-pcos-if-i-have-facial-hair-growth-2616685)(excess facial hair), and anovulation (when the body doesn't ovulate or release a mature egg). However, it's unclear if PCOS [causes obesity](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-weight-loss-why-it-is-so-hard-2616492) or the other way around.4 Individuals with PCOS are 4 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and twice as likely to develop [metabolic syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/metabolic-syndrome-1745266).2 [PCOS](https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-i-have-pcos-2616597) is diagnosed when an individual has at least two of the following:2 [Symptoms of PCOS](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-symptoms-and-causes-4014413) result from these features. [editorial process](/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The condition is related to higher than usual levels of a hormone called [androgens](https://www.verywellhealth.com/androgens-and-pcos-excess-levels-what-it-means-4156771) that can lead to excess facial hair, acne, and other physical changes. Researchers have suggested that an interplay of genetic, lifestyle and health factors leads to an imbalance in the endocrine system, resulting in high levels of androgens, irregular periods, and other physical symptoms.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Femina"

Experts Explain How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Affects Fertility ... (Femina)

What Is PCOS? Every month, in women of childbearing age, tiny fluid-filled cysts known as follicles, develop on the surface of the ovary. Female sex hormones, ...

By doing this, they can start treatment as soon as possible. Some other common reasons include the following. For some people with PCOS, a low glycaemic diet may improve symptoms and fertility. Losing excess weight may help balance hormone production and increase the chances of ovulation and pregnancy. There is no specific test to diagnose PCOS; doctors make a diagnosis based on several factors. Anyone who is concerned that they are unable to become pregnant or who has symptoms that may indicate PCOS, should see a doctor,” advises Dr Dakshayani. Dr Dakshayani lists the health conditions that women with PCOS are at a greater risk for than others: - Ovulation problems are usually the primary cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it is used by the body to convert sugar present in food into energy. Female sex hormones, including oestrogen, cause one of the follicles to produce a mature egg. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that doctors associate with an imbalance in female sex hormones. Image: Shutterstock

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Medical Xpress"

More awareness, education needed to better treat polycystic ovary ... (Medical Xpress)

The condition, PCOS for short, causes the ovaries to produce abnormally high levels of male hormones, which are usually present in women in only small amounts.

"You start gaining weight seemingly out of nowhere and everyone thinks you just have to exercise more and eat better. It's not about being lazy and not eating well." And following their diagnosis, 23% of the women were found to have high blood cholesterol and 25% were either prediabetic or diabetic. "I didn't think I'd have to worry about any of that stuff in my twenties at all," Chambers says. Then, at age 27, her cholesterol started climbing, and it wasn't until she took part in a University of Alberta clinical trial that she found out it was related to PCOS. The first line intervention in PCOS is improving nutrition and lifestyle. "Given what we have learned, if a cardiologist sees a female patient they should also ask for a menstrual-reproductive history. "I was like, OK, and so I went home and Googled it and I started crying. It was frustrating." [weight gain](https://medicalxpress.com/tags/weight+gain/), [hair loss](https://medicalxpress.com/tags/hair+loss/), facial hair and acne that can make you feel less of a woman, so it makes it difficult when you have society judging you on top of that." Because it was me and everything I was dealing with." It wasn't until, frustrated and pressing for more answers a few years later, the young Alberta woman first heard her doctor make passing mention of something called polycystic ovary syndrome.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"

Regina Townsend: When reproductive health care focuses on sex ... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Over a decade ago, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, better known as PCOS, a metabolic, hormonal and genetic disorder that affects 1 in 10 ...

For the thousands of people affected by conditions such as these, their overall health and the equity of their care should receive far more concern than we give attention to. It almost seems to be just the mention of the term “reproductive” that somehow clouds the conversation, with people immediately thinking about sex and babies. I see missed days of work from debilitating ovarian pain, increased anxiety from hormonal surges and yo-yo dieting that never works. My hair and skin were oily and brittle, with acne to rival any pubescent teen. The insulin resistance caused by PCOS leads 35% of women with PCOS to develop prediabetes. That thought haunts me because people with PCOS are three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer and carry twice the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Femina"

Femina Health Series: How PCOS Affects Fertility | Femina.in (Femina)

Experts talk about PCOS as a syndrome and the way forward for couples who are looking to become parents.

They also suggested that the best way to address it is with the help of a medical practitioner and appropriate lifestyle changes for the long term. All the doctors agreed on the fact that PCOS can be treated and will not form a major hindrance if it is caught young, and addressed properly. In this entire journey, the most important person who needs to be by the side of the woman is the life partner. She also mentions that PCOS increases the stress hormones, so any positive lifestyle changes will help reduce stress levels and improve the ability to conceive. As we started learning about PCOS, Dr Shital Punjabi, Founding Director at Shashwat IVF & Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, shed light on how it is a syndrome and affects the woman’s body from head to toe. Our experts today are here to assure couples that there is no reason to despair as there is a way forward.

Explore the last week