What Is PCOS Awareness Month?
PCOS Awareness Month is an awareness initiative focused on educating people about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, fertility and overall health.
PCOS is more than a reproductive health condition. It can also be associated with metabolic concerns such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. It may also affect emotional well-being and quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS affects an estimated 10–13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, and up to 70% of affected women may remain undiagnosed.
The purpose of PCOS awareness is therefore not simply to highlight the condition, but to encourage people to understand its symptoms, seek appropriate medical evaluation and take steps to manage their long-term health.
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder associated with hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation and increased androgen activity.
PCOS can affect people differently. Some may mainly experience irregular periods, while others may notice acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning or difficulty becoming pregnant.
PCOS can also have metabolic effects. People with PCOS may have a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other long-term health conditions.
Despite its name, you do not necessarily need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS. The condition is diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, clinical assessment, laboratory tests and, when appropriate, ultrasound findings.
What Causes PCOS?
There is no single known cause of PCOS. Research suggests that genetic, hormonal and metabolic factors can contribute to its development.
Hormonal Imbalance
Higher levels or activity of androgens can interfere with normal ovulation and contribute to symptoms such as excess facial or body hair, acne and scalp hair thinning.
Insulin Resistance
Some people with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This can affect blood glucose regulation and may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Family History
PCOS can run in families. Having a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Metabolic Factors
Metabolic health can influence PCOS symptoms and associated risks. However, PCOS is not simply caused by being overweight, and people of different body sizes can develop PCOS.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may change over time.
1. Irregular Periods
Periods may occur less frequently than expected, become unpredictable or sometimes stop. Some individuals may also experience heavy or prolonged bleeding.
2. Excess Facial or Body Hair
Increased androgen activity can cause unwanted hair growth, particularly on the face, chest or abdomen.
3. Acne and Oily Skin
Hormonal changes associated with PCOS can contribute to persistent or severe acne and oily skin.
4. Hair Thinning
Some people may experience thinning of the scalp hair or female-pattern hair loss.
5. Difficulty Becoming Pregnant
PCOS can interfere with ovulation and is a common cause of ovulatory infertility.
6. Weight or Metabolic Changes
Some people with PCOS experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, while others do not. PCOS can also be associated with insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have PCOS. Similar symptoms can occur with other medical conditions, so proper evaluation is important.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that confirms PCOS in every person.
A healthcare professional generally considers:
- Menstrual and reproductive history
- Symptoms of androgen excess
- Physical examination
- Hormone testing
- Blood glucose and metabolic assessment
- Ultrasound when clinically appropriate
- Other tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms
For adults, diagnostic assessment generally considers a combination of ovulatory dysfunction, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology, after other possible causes have been excluded. The international evidence-based guideline also recognizes anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as an alternative to ultrasound for assessing polycystic ovarian morphology in adults in appropriate circumstances.
Importantly, ovarian cysts are not required for a PCOS diagnosis.
Which Tests May Be Recommended for PCOS?
Laboratory investigations can help healthcare professionals evaluate hormonal and metabolic health and rule out other conditions.
Depending on symptoms and clinical history, a doctor may recommend:
Hormone Tests
Tests such as testosterone test and other androgen-related measurements may help assess biochemical hyperandrogenism.
Blood Glucose Tests
Fasting blood glucose or other glucose assessments may be used to evaluate blood sugar and metabolic health.
DHEA-S
DHEA-S test (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an androgen produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It may be considered when evaluating androgen excess, particularly when testosterone levels are not elevated or when additional assessment is clinically appropriate.
FSH
FSH test (follicle-stimulating hormone) is involved in reproductive hormone regulation and ovarian function. FSH testing may be recommended as part of the evaluation of irregular or absent periods and to help rule out other conditions that can cause similar menstrual symptoms.
LH
LH test (luteinizing hormone) plays an important role in ovulation and reproductive hormone regulation. Depending on the clinical situation, LH may be assessed along with FSH when investigating irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory problems or other hormonal conditions.
HbA1c
HbA1c provides an estimate of average blood glucose levels over the previous few months and may be considered when assessing diabetes risk.
Lipid Profile
A lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglycerides and can help assess cardiovascular risk.
Other Hormonal Tests
Additional hormone tests may be recommended to rule out other causes of irregular periods, androgen excess or related symptoms.
Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound may be recommended in certain diagnostic situations to evaluate ovarian morphology.
Not everyone with suspected PCOS requires every test. The appropriate investigations depend on age, symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment.
PCOS and Long-Term Health
One important reason for PCOS awareness is that the condition can affect health beyond menstrual cycles and fertility.
PCOS is associated with an increased risk of:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Pregnancy-related complications
- Endometrial problems
- Anxiety, depression and other psychological concerns
The international PCOS guideline emphasizes that PCOS should be approached as a condition involving reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular and psychological health, rather than focusing only on fertility.
How Is PCOS Managed?
There is currently no single cure for PCOS, but symptoms and associated health risks can often be managed successfully.
Treatment depends on individual symptoms, health risks and reproductive goals.
Healthy Lifestyle
Regular physical activity and a balanced eating pattern can support metabolic health and overall well-being. Healthy lifestyle habits are recommended for people with PCOS regardless of whether they result in weight loss.
Managing Menstrual Symptoms
Healthcare professionals may recommend medicines to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce certain symptoms.
Managing Acne and Excess Hair
Depending on the individual, medical treatments may help manage acne and unwanted hair growth.
Fertility Treatment
For people who want to become pregnant, treatment may focus on improving ovulation. Fertility medicines and assisted reproductive technologies may be considered when appropriate.
Monitoring Metabolic Health
Regular assessment of blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and other risk factors may be recommended based on individual circumstances.
The 2023 international guideline emphasizes personalized care and shared decision-making, meaning treatment should consider the individual's symptoms, preferences, health risks and reproductive goals.
PCOS Awareness: Common Myths and Facts
Myth 1: PCOS Only Affects Fertility
Fact: PCOS can affect menstrual health, hormones, metabolism, cardiovascular health, mental well-being and fertility.
Myth 2: Everyone With PCOS Has Ovarian Cysts
Fact: Ovarian cysts are not required to diagnose PCOS.
Myth 3: PCOS Only Affects People Who Are Overweight
Fact: PCOS can affect people across different body sizes.
Myth 4: PCOS Means You Cannot Get Pregnant
Fact: PCOS can make ovulation irregular and conception more difficult, but many people with PCOS can become pregnant with appropriate medical care.
Myth 5: Irregular Periods Are Always Normal
Fact: Occasional changes can happen, but persistent or significant menstrual irregularities should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consider seeking medical advice if you have persistent:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Excess facial or body hair
- Severe or persistent acne
- Unexplained hair thinning
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Unexplained metabolic abnormalities
- Significant changes in menstrual patterns
Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of symptoms and determine whether PCOS or another condition may be responsible.
Why PCOS Awareness Matters
PCOS can be difficult to recognize because symptoms vary widely. Some people may have obvious menstrual or hormonal symptoms, while others may primarily experience fertility or metabolic concerns.
Greater awareness can help people understand that PCOS is a long-term health condition that deserves comprehensive care.
PCOS awareness also helps reduce stigma around periods, fertility, body weight, acne and unwanted hair growth. A better understanding of the condition can encourage people to seek medical advice rather than self-diagnosing based on individual symptoms.
Key Takeaways
PCOS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase understanding of a condition that can affect reproductive, metabolic and emotional health.
Remember:
- PCOS is a common hormonal and metabolic condition.
- Symptoms vary from person to person.
- Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and difficulty conceiving can be possible symptoms.
- Ovarian cysts are not necessary for a PCOS diagnosis.
- Blood tests and imaging may be used as part of an individual assessment.
- PCOS can increase the risk of several long-term health problems.
- Healthy lifestyle habits are an important part of management.
- Medical treatment can help manage symptoms and fertility concerns.
- Early and appropriate evaluation can support better long-term health.