What is PCOS? A Fertility Doctor Explains Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormone disorder that causes a lack of ovulation.

• To diagnose PCOS, two out of three criteria must be met: irregular periods, high androgen symptoms, and a special ultrasound appearance of the ovaries.
• PCOS involves a hormone disturbance that leads to a lack of ovulation, resulting in the production of excess testosterone, causing acne and hair growth.
• There are two forms of PCOS: thin phenotype and overweight, with the latter being associated with insulin resistance and metabolic changes.
• Weight loss may help with PCOS if excess estrogen is being produced, but it may not be effective for thin PCOS.
• Birth control pills are commonly used to manage PCOS by providing constant levels of estrogen and progesterone.
• Low progesterone is a symptom of PCOS, not the root cause, and can lead to endometrial cancer.
• Lifestyle interventions, medications, and fertility doctors can help manage PCOS and improve ovulation.
• The stigma surrounding PCOS should be broken, and education about the condition is important.

Researchers/Source

• Dr. Natalie Crawford, Fertility Doctor.