Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

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Hello again LGBT+ Amino, it’s your fellow bisexual here. It has been ages since I last wrote a post for you all but I am slowly making a return to Amino! Today I’m going to explain what is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, the symptoms that come with it, possible treatment and my personal experience with it!

About this time last year I wrote a post on PCOS but I didn’t do a full in-depth post and this one will be more explanatory! Without any further ado, let’s begin.

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What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects how one’s ovaries work. There are 3 main features that come along with PCOS;

1. Irregular periods - Having 2-3 periods a year/no period at all/long lasting (over the course of months) are a sign that your ovaries are not functioning the way they should be.

2. Extra hair - This would be coarse facial hair (kind of like growing a beard!), hair on the chest and back. This is a sign of excess hormones which comes along with PCOS.

3. Polycystic ovaries - This can only be detected through an ultrasound or by visiting a gynaecologist. Your ovaries are enlarged and filled with fluid-filled sacs. Even though the name would imply cysts, you do not actually have cysts.

There are of course many symptoms but these main 3 would lead to a diagnosis of PCOS.

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Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The exact cause is unknown for now, however it typically runs through families. PCOS is linked to having hormonal imbalances, like insulin.

Many people with PCOS are “resistant” to insulin, so their body would produce more to overcome this. This leads to excess production and activity of hormones like testosterone.

Some could have raised levels of luteinising hormones which can have abnormal affects on ovaries if too high.

The exact reason as to why people are resistant to insulin or have higher hormone levels is unknown. It is suggested to start in the ovary or it could be a problem from the hormone gland.

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Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

There are many symptoms that come along with PCOS which are listed below;

1. Irregular or absent periods - As mentioned above, one of the main symptoms of PCOS is irregular/absent periods. At the age of 16, most people with ovaries should have a regular period, but people with PCOS tend to have 2-3 a year or none at all.

2. Fertility issues - PCOS causes people to have difficulty conceiving. During each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg into the uterus. But since people with PCOS have irregular/absent periods, they don’t have an egg released when it should be. This symptom is one that usually alerts women to the issue of PCOS.

3. Excessive hair growth - As mentioned previously, excess hair growth is a symptom of PCOS. This would tend to be on the face, back, and chest.

4. Weight gain - This is one I struggle with the most. A lot of people with PCOS would have difficulty losing weight and would gain it very fast. This is due to the resistance of insulin. This symptom can be reduced if you see a dietician to help you figure out how to eat and exercise around PCOS.

5. Hair loss - As ironic as it sounds, hair loss comes hand in hand with excessive hair growth. This hair loss would tend to be from your head, and the person could have a receding hairline or widows peaks.

This isn’t a full list of symptoms are there are countless others and everyone’s experience is completely different.

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Risk in Later Life

If PCOS goes undiagnosed or unmedicated, it can lead to problems later on in the person’s life.

1. Type 2 Diabetes - Since a possible cause of PCOS is resistance to insulin, people can develop type 2 diabetes which needs to be monitored.

2. Depression - PCOS involves hormonal imbalances. If your hormones aren’t supposed to be at the optimum level, it can lead to mood swings and severe depression. A lot of people with PCOS are self-conscious and can have insecurities about their body which would affect them mentally as well.

3. Heart problems - PCOS can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol which would eventually lead to heart attacks or strokes.

4. Cancer - Having no periods or missed periods means you have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining). However, this is very rare and can be easily prevented.

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Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

There is no definite treatment for PCOS since there is no cure.

For irregular/missed periods, birth control can sometimes help regulate it and bring it back to normal. If no periods has occurred in the person yet, they can be induced using progesterone tablets.

Clomifene is used for those trying to conceive as it encouraged the ovaries to release an egg. If this fails, metformin is then tried. It tends to be given to those with type 2 diabetes but can help those with PCOS.

There are a number of different medicines available to help those with other symptoms like hair loss, hair growth or weight problems.

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My Personal Experience

My experience has been rather rocky so far. I am not currently being treated due to coronavirus and my hospital dates keep being pushed back.

I have never had a period in my entire life though. I sound extremely lucky but I experience other symptoms that would be rather unpleasant for others.

I struggle with losing weight but I also do not gain any (I’ve remained the exact same weight for going on 3 years now). I am a healthy weight though so it isn’t a concern!

Hair growth is a c o n s t a n t for me. I have hairy arms and a lil beard sometimes (that’s funny to say). I cannot get rid of it since the doctor says to keep it until further notice. Helpful, I know!

Mood swings would be a bad symptom of mine sadly! I go through periods of elation and then suddenly depressive episodes would hit me. I am coping rather well though and I have a good system around me.

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That’s all I have for you now, my lovelies. Do not take this as a diagnosis as I am not a doctor! However if you have some of the above symptoms, it would be something to keep an eye on and go to a personal doctor if you suspect something is wrong.

I hope you’re all well and have a great weekend!

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