Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women during their reproductive years. The condition causes an imbalance in reproductive hormones, leading to irregular periods and other symptoms. The name comes from small fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries, though not all women with PCOS have these cysts.

PCOS disrupts the normal release of eggs from the ovaries, a process called ovulation. This happens because the body produces higher levels of androgens, which are hormones typically found in smaller amounts in women. The condition also affects how your body processes insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. Many women with PCOS develop insulin resistance, meaning their cells don't respond well to insulin.

This hormonal imbalance can affect fertility, metabolism, and appearance. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. With proper lifestyle changes and treatment, most women with PCOS can manage their symptoms and live healthy lives.

• Irregular or missed periods, often fewer than 9 per year
• Heavy menstrual bleeding when periods do occur
• Excess facial and body hair growth, called hirsutism
• Severe acne or oily skin
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Darkened skin patches in body creases and folds
• Skin tags in the armpits or neck area
• Difficulty getting pregnant or infertility

Some women have mild symptoms and may not realize they have PCOS until they struggle to conceive. Others experience more severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life. Symptoms often become noticeable during the late teens or early 20s, but PCOS can develop at any age after puberty.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, but several factors contribute to its development. Insulin resistance plays a major role, with up to 70% of women with PCOS having this condition. When cells don't respond properly to insulin, the pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. Excess insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more androgens, disrupting ovulation. Genetics also matter, as PCOS tends to run in families. If your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk increases.

Low-grade inflammation is common in women with PCOS. This chronic inflammatory state stimulates the ovaries to produce excess androgens. Being overweight worsens insulin resistance and inflammation, though lean women can also develop PCOS. Other risk factors include sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Women with PCOS often have lower levels of adiponectin, a protein hormone that helps regulate metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Doctors diagnose PCOS using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. There is no single test for PCOS, so your doctor will look for at least two of three criteria: irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Blood tests measure hormone levels including total testosterone, estrone, and estradiol. Women with PCOS typically show elevated testosterone and sometimes higher estrone levels. Your doctor may also check adiponectin levels, which are often low in PCOS and linked to insulin resistance.

Rite Aid offers hormone testing that can help identify PCOS-related imbalances. Our add-on hormone panel measures key markers including testosterone, estradiol, and estrone. Additional tests may check insulin levels, glucose tolerance, and cholesterol. An ultrasound of the ovaries can reveal the presence of multiple small cysts. Your doctor will rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or high prolactin levels.

• Weight loss of just 5 to 10% of body weight can improve symptoms and hormone balance
• Regular exercise, especially strength training and high-intensity intervals, improves insulin sensitivity
• Low-glycemic diet focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
• Birth control pills to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels
• Metformin to improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar
• Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone to reduce excess hair growth and acne
• Fertility medications like clomiphene or letrozole if trying to conceive
• Inositol supplements to support insulin function and egg quality
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure