Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It happens when your ovaries produce too many androgens, which are hormones often called male hormones. Women naturally make androgens too, but having too much can disrupt your menstrual cycle and affect how your ovaries work.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women. It affects about 1 in 10 women during their childbearing years. The name comes from the small fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, that often form in the ovaries. These cysts are actually immature eggs that never developed enough to trigger ovulation.

PCOS affects more than just your reproductive system. It can impact your metabolism, insulin levels, and long-term health. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies struggle to use insulin properly. This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Understanding your hormone levels through blood testing is key to managing PCOS and preventing future health problems.

Progesterone

Reveal hormone imbalances affecting your mood
Clarify the cause of irregular periods
Confirm your fertility status with certainty

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Estradiol

Reveal hormone imbalances affecting your mood
Pinpoint causes of irregular menstrual cycles
Clarify reasons behind unexpected weight changes

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Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, SHBG

Pinpoint the cause of hormonal imbalances
Reveal factors affecting your energy levels
Clarify reasons behind unexpected weight changes

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Symptoms

Irregular or missed periods, sometimes going months without menstruation
Excess facial or body hair growth, especially on the chin, chest, or back
Thinning hair on the scalp or male-pattern baldness
Acne or oily skin, particularly on the face, chest, or upper back
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen
Dark patches of skin in body folds like the neck, groin, or under breasts
Skin tags in the armpits or neck area
Difficulty getting pregnant or infertility
Mood changes including anxiety or depression
Fatigue or low energy throughout the day

Some women with PCOS have mild symptoms that they barely notice. Others experience several symptoms that significantly affect their daily life. You do not need to have all these symptoms to have PCOS. The condition looks different for every woman.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but several factors play a role. Insulin resistance is a major contributor. When your cells do not respond well to insulin, your pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. This extra insulin triggers your ovaries to produce more androgens, disrupting ovulation. Genetics also matter. If your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk increases. Researchers believe multiple genes, not just one, contribute to the condition.

Low-grade inflammation is another factor. Many women with PCOS have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies. This inflammation can stimulate the ovaries to make more androgens. Excess weight can worsen PCOS symptoms because fat tissue produces hormones and inflammatory substances. However, thin women can also have PCOS. Other risk factors include having diabetes, being sedentary, and eating a diet high in processed foods and refined carbohydrates. These lifestyle factors can worsen insulin resistance and hormone imbalances over time.

How it's diagnosed

PCOS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycles, symptoms, and family history. They will check for physical signs like excess hair growth, acne, and weight distribution. Blood tests are essential for measuring hormone levels. Rite Aid testing can measure key hormones including testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, and insulin. These tests help identify the hormonal imbalances typical of PCOS.

Many women with PCOS have elevated testosterone and DHEA-S levels. The ratio of LH to FSH is often higher than normal in PCOS. Tests for insulin and blood sugar help identify insulin resistance. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, or SHBG, is often lower in PCOS. Anti-Mullerian Hormone, or AMH, is typically elevated. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries. However, you can have PCOS without visible cysts. Getting tested at Rite Aid gives you a detailed view of your hormone levels so you can work with your doctor on the right treatment plan.

Treatment options

Eating a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and added sugars to improve insulin sensitivity
Regular exercise, at least 150 minutes per week, to help manage weight and reduce insulin resistance
Weight loss of even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can improve symptoms and hormone levels
Birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels
Metformin to improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels
Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone to reduce excess hair growth and acne
Fertility medications like clomiphene or letrozole if you are trying to get pregnant
Inositol supplements, which may help improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation
Stress management through mindfulness, yoga, or therapy to support hormone balance
Regular monitoring of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure to prevent complications

Frequently asked questions

The first signs of PCOS often include irregular or missed periods and difficulty predicting your menstrual cycle. You might also notice acne that does not go away or excess hair growth on your face or body. Some women first notice weight gain that is hard to lose, especially around the abdomen. These symptoms usually start appearing during the teenage years or early twenties, though they can develop later.

PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with the right treatment approach. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can significantly improve symptoms and hormone levels. Medications can help regulate periods, reduce androgen levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. Many women with PCOS live healthy lives and manage their symptoms successfully. Early diagnosis and consistent management are key to preventing long-term complications.

Blood tests measure hormone levels that are typically abnormal in PCOS. Your doctor will check testosterone and DHEA-S, which are often elevated. The ratio of LH to FSH is usually higher than normal. Tests for insulin and blood sugar help identify insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is often low, while Anti-Mullerian Hormone is typically high. These blood tests, combined with symptoms and sometimes an ultrasound, help confirm a PCOS diagnosis.

Yes, many women with PCOS can get pregnant with the right treatment. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility because irregular ovulation makes it harder to conceive. However, fertility medications like clomiphene or letrozole can help trigger ovulation. Lifestyle changes that improve insulin sensitivity also improve fertility. Weight loss of even 5 to 10 percent can restart regular ovulation in some women. Working with a fertility specialist can help you find the best approach for your situation.

Women with PCOS should limit refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and pastries because they spike blood sugar. Sugary foods and drinks can worsen insulin resistance and make symptoms worse. Processed foods high in unhealthy fats and sodium should be minimized. Some women find that reducing dairy or inflammatory foods helps their symptoms. Focus on eating whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates that keep blood sugar stable.

Yes, PCOS increases your risk of several health conditions if left unmanaged. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are also more common. PCOS increases the risk of sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. There is also a slightly higher risk of endometrial cancer because of irregular periods. Regular monitoring and proactive management can significantly reduce these risks.

Most doctors recommend testing your hormones at least once a year to monitor your PCOS. If you are starting a new treatment or making significant lifestyle changes, testing every 3 to 6 months helps track your progress. Regular testing shows whether your treatment plan is working and if adjustments are needed. You should also test your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure regularly. Consistent monitoring helps catch problems early and prevents long-term complications.

Weight loss cannot cure PCOS, but it can significantly improve symptoms in many women. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can restore regular periods and improve ovulation. It also reduces insulin resistance, lowers androgen levels, and decreases the risk of diabetes. Not all women with PCOS are overweight, and thin women can have the same hormonal imbalances. Weight loss is one tool among many for managing PCOS, and it works best combined with other treatments.

Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their cells do not respond well to insulin. When cells resist insulin, the pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. This excess insulin signals the ovaries to produce more androgens like testosterone. High androgen levels disrupt ovulation and cause many PCOS symptoms. Insulin resistance also makes it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Improving insulin sensitivity through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication is a key part of treating PCOS.

PCOS symptoms often change after menopause, but the condition does not completely go away. Irregular periods and fertility concerns become less relevant after menopause. However, metabolic issues like insulin resistance, diabetes risk, and high cholesterol continue. Some women notice that excess hair growth and acne improve after menopause. Others find that weight management becomes harder. Continuing healthy lifestyle habits and monitoring your metabolic health remains important throughout your life.