Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of menstrual irregularity and excess androgen hormone (DHEA and testosterone) in women.

Symptoms can include:

• Irregular periods

• Acne or oily skin

• Hirsutism (excessive hair on face, chest, back)

• Hair thinning on forehead, hair loss along hairline

• Ovarian cysts (polycystic ovaries)

• Weight gain/difficulty losing weight

• Insulin resistance

(a)  scanty menstrual periods

(b)  hirsutism (excessive growth of dark hair on face, chest and/or back which is often correlated with increased androgens on blood work)

(c)  polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

PCOS is associated with insulin resistance (elevated insulin levels), eventually leading to diabetes as well as fatty liver disease.  Androgens (testosterone, DHEA, androstenedione) are also often increased in PCOS which leads to the excessive hair growth, oily skin, and sometimes male pattern baldness.

Menstrual cycles that do not release an egg lead to scanty menstrual periods which cause the endometrial lining of the uterus to thicken. Without the usual monthly shedding that should occur, there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

PCOS treatment is multifaceted and encompasses lifestyle changes; hormone balancing to reduce the unwanted hair growth/acne and achieve regular menstrual cycles; and may include other medication to help reduce insulin resistance.