Irregular periods? 6 Facts about PCOS

Irregular, unpredictable, and with more troubling symptoms. Your period probably feels more like an exclamation point if you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). 

There’s plenty of confusion about this complex and often misunderstood condition. Let's debunk some common myths and get to the facts.

Myth #1: PCOS is a rare condition.

Fact: PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It's estimated that 1 in 10 women have PCOS. 

Myth #2: PCOS is just about irregular periods.

Fact:  While irregular periods are a key symptom, PCOS is much more than that. It's a complex condition that can impact your overall health, including increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke and infertility. 

Other symptoms include pelvic pain, baldness or thinning hair, acne, oily skin, dandruff, patches of dark brown or black skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, toes. 

Myth #3: PCOS is caused by being overweight.

Fact: Weight gain can be a symptom of PCOS and can worsen symptoms, but it's not the cause. This condition is believed to occur due to genetic factors which cause the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce more male hormones than normal. Its name comes from the fact that cysts can develop on the ovaries as a result. 

Myth #4: There's nothing that can be done for PCOS.

Fact: There are effective ways to manage symptoms and reduce your risk of long-term complications, but there's no cure. Lifestyle changes, medication, and regular checkups can significantly improve your quality of life.

Myth #5: PCOS makes you infertile.

Fact: While PCOS can make it harder to conceive, it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. With proper management and treatment, many women with PCOS successfully conceive and have healthy pregnancies.

Myth #6: You can't do anything about PCOS.

Fact: You can take control of this condition and your health. Lifestyle changes like weight management, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can significantly improve your symptoms. 

If you have any concerns about PCOS, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your provider. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Together, you can take the exclamation point out of your period.