What is PCOS?

If you're reading this blog because you think you have PCOS, or have been diagnosed, we want to offer you some encouragement. You might be confused, anxious, sad, and angry. But you're not alone, and we're here for you. PCOS can seem very scary, but about 1 in 10 women have it. In this blog, we'll tell you what PCOS is and what you can do about it.

What is PCOS?

We just said that 1 in 10 women has it. That might sound a bit vague, because who is 1 in 10? So let's use a clear example: Morgane, our co-founder, has PCOS. She's always been very open about her struggles with it .

After I stopped taking the pill, I had to wait months for my period to come. I also had severe mood swings and hormonal acne. It didn't feel right, so I went to the doctor. He told me I had PCOS. Uh , what? What can I do about it? 'Nothing,' he said.

And there I was. Not even thirty, and already "something was wrong" with me: I had health problems and was less fertile.

"Don't worry," the doctor said, "just come back when you want children and we'll work on it." I didn't want children yet, but I felt terrible. I wanted a regular cycle, a good mood, and radiant skin ...

The main cause of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance and metabolic problems that can affect your health and even your appearance. People with PCOS may have higher levels of male hormones (androgens).

Women with PCOS often also experience fertility issues. Getting pregnant can sometimes be difficult (this was also the case for Morgane). The good news is that fertility issues related to PCOS are treatable, and if you have PCOS, it's likely you can still have children—you just need a little help, which we all need sometimes.

The symptoms of PCOS

If you have PCOS, you'll probably first notice symptoms in your teens or twenties.

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but these are the most common symptoms:

• Problems with your menstrual cycle such as irregular periods, heavy periods, or no periods at all.
• Difficulty getting pregnant because you do not ovulate or ovulate irregularly.
• Acne and Oily Skin : People with PCOS often suffer from acne and oily skin, even after their teenage years.
• Hair growth : Some women with PCOS have excessive facial hair, or hair on their arms, chest, or even abdomen. As many as 70% of women with PCOS experience excessive hair growth. While you can remove your hair, it can still cause social anxiety and self-esteem issues. Some people with PCOS also experience thinning hair, although this is less common.
• Weight gain : PCOS can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. That's why a large proportion of women with PCOS are overweight.
• Cysts : Many people with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries. These cysts are not harmful, but they can make it harder to conceive.
• Reduced fertility : PCOS is a common cause of reduced fertility. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance disrupts ovulation. And if you don't ovulate or ovulate irregularly, it can be harder to conceive.

The PCOS symptoms that a doctor uses to make a diagnosis

PCOS can be diagnosed if 2 of the 3 following symptoms are present:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all.
• Increased testosterone or luteinizing hormone , the hormone that triggers ovulation. This can cause symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, and obesity.
• Cysts visible on ultrasound . In PCOS, more than twelve follicles per ovary are visible on ultrasound.

How does PCOS develop?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These factors contribute to PCOS:

• Hormonal imbalance : Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries and hinder the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
• Insulin resistance : Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels. Insulin resistance is often associated with PCOS and can contribute to the production of excessive androgens, leading to hormonal imbalance.
• Genetics : There are indications that PCOS is hereditary. Women with a family history of PCOS have a higher risk of developing it. However, specific genes or inheritance patterns associated with PCOS have not yet been definitively identified.
• Inflammation : Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body can play a role in the development of PCOS. This can disrupt ovarian function and also contribute to insulin resistance.
• Lifestyle : Certain lifestyle factors, such as a less nutritious diet, excessive sitting, and obesity, can increase the risk of developing PCOS. These factors can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

It is important to realize that PCOS is a complex condition and the interplay of these factors can vary from person to person.

The exact cause of PCOS is still being studied. If you think you have PCOS or are experiencing symptoms associated with it, we recommend talking to a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Can PCOS be treated and if so how?

Let's be clear: unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all treatment. If there were, we'd give you one in a heartbeat. But treatment depends on several factors, such as your general health, your symptoms, and even your age. It also depends on whether or not you want to have children.

What you can do about PCOS:

If you want to become pregnant (now or in the future)

If you're trying to conceive, there are a few things you can do to help manage the symptoms of PCOS:

• Change your diet and activity levels . A healthy diet and sufficient exercise can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight. They can also reduce PCOS symptoms. Good nutrition can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood sugar levels, and help you ovulate—quite important if you're trying to conceive.
• Medications to induce ovulation . Medications can help your ovaries release eggs. These medications also have certain risks. They can increase the chance of multiple pregnancies. They can also cause ovarian hyperstimulation, which is when the ovaries release too many hormones. This can cause symptoms such as bloating and pelvic pain.

If you'd like to learn more about getting pregnant with PCOS , read our blog post.

If you don't want to get pregnant

If you don't want to get pregnant, doctors can quickly prescribe hormonal contraception to manage your PCOS symptoms. This may be an option for some, but remember that the pill isn't the only solution to your problems. It's important to understand the side effects of the pill before taking it. We recommend reading our blog post about the side effects of the pill .

And before you start taking medication, you might also consider adding a supplement to your daily routine to help regulate your hormonal activity. By ensuring your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs, you can restore hormone balance, support a healthy cycle, and, in many cases, naturally treat many of the most common PCOS symptoms.

While there is no specific vitamin or mineral that can cure PCOS, certain nutrients can help support overall health and manage some PCOS symptoms.

It is important to know that individual needs can vary and it is always best to consult a physician or registered dietitian who can provide you with personalized advice.

Here are some vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial for people with PCOS:

Inositol: Inositol, specifically myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, has been studied for its potential benefits in improving insulin sensitivity and restoring hormonal balance in women with PCOS. It may help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility.

Vitamin D : Many women with PCOS have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays a role in insulin sensitivity and can help manage PCOS symptoms. Getting enough sunlight and taking supplemental vitamins can help keep your vitamin D levels optimal.

B vitamins, such as B6 and B12 , are involved in hormone regulation, metabolism, and energy production. They can help manage stress, support healthy ovarian function, and improve mood. B vitamins are found in various foods, including leafy greens, legumes, fish, and poultry.

Magnesium : Magnesium is involved in numerous biochemical processes in the body and can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. You can find magnesium in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Chromium : Chromium is a mineral that helps insulin regulate blood sugar levels. Some research suggests that chromium supplements may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in women with PCOS. Good dietary sources of chromium include broccoli, green beans, whole grains, and nuts.

Omega-3 fatty acids : Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation associated with PCOS . You can find them in oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts, among other foods.

It's important to note that a balanced and varied diet is crucial for overall health. It's recommended to focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Nutritional needs can vary from person to person. Therefore, it's essential to work with a doctor or registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance and help you develop a suitable nutrition plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Changes in your daily life

You may have been told there's nothing you can do to treat PCOS symptoms. But that's simply not true. Research shows that diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms.

When women changed their diets, some of the negative symptoms of the condition improved.

So if you're part of the PCOS club, you'll definitely see results if you change your diet.

PCOS can cause insulin resistance, so it's important to incorporate foods that combat this. Fiber-rich foods are key – they help slow digestion and reduce the effect of sugar on the blood.

Here are some high fiber foods:

• Vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli
• Leafy greens like kale, spinach and other dark leafy greens
• Beans and lentils
• Berries
• Sweet potatoes
• Green and red peppers
• Nuts such as almonds, pine nuts and walnuts
• Pumpkin and sweet potato

A healthy PCOS diet may also include:

• Lots of natural, unprocessed foods
• Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
• Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados and coconuts
• Dark chocolate (in moderation and with at least 75% cocoa)

Read more about the impact of nutrition on PCOS here .

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

Yes. PCOS doesn't mean you can't get pregnant, but it can make it more challenging. PCOS is one of the most common, yet treatable, causes of fertility problems in women.

This is because PCOS disrupts ovulation. If you can't track when you ovulate, it's difficult to predict your fertile window. And if you don't ovulate, you can't get pregnant.

The good news is that most people with PCOS can get pregnant with some lifestyle changes or fertility treatments.

What is the effect of PCOS on pregnancy?

If you're pregnant with PCOS, we want to start by congratulating you! We know that getting pregnant can be challenging for many people and that it likely took longer than you expected.

If you're pregnant and have PCOS, you're at increased risk for pregnancy complications . But try not to worry too much. Your doctor or gynecologist knows you have PCOS and will monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy.

That being said, it can be helpful to arm yourself with knowledge and know some of the most common complications resulting from PCOS:

• Miscarriage or early pregnancy loss: Unfortunately, women with PCOS are three times more likely to have a miscarriage in the first few months of pregnancy than women without PCOS. More research is needed to understand why.
• Gestational diabetes : This is a form of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy. It's easily treatable, and if diagnosed early, it likely won't cause any major problems for you or your baby. In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves after your baby is born.

So it's only something you need to keep under control during pregnancy. However, you do run an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Preeclampsia : Preeclampsia is a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, which can cause serious problems such as organ damage, seizures, and even death. Treatment is available, and depending on when preeclampsia develops, the most common treatment is to deliver your baby prematurely. This may mean your baby is born a little earlier than expected, but try not to worry too much. Preterm and moderately preterm babies generally do well with a little help in the early stages of their lives.
• Premature Birth : Speaking of premature birth, PCOS is known to increase the chance of your baby being born before 37 weeks. As mentioned, there is some risk of health problems soon after birth and later in life if a baby is born prematurely – but most problems are treatable.

• Cesarean section delivery: Women with PCOS are more likely to require a cesarean section due to several complications associated with the condition. While cesarean delivery is common and safe, because it's a major surgical procedure, recovery takes longer than with a vaginal delivery. If you're pregnant and have PCOS, it may be wise to plan for some extra support after the baby is born, in case you have an unplanned or emergency cesarean.

Having PCOS doesn't mean you'll definitely develop the complications mentioned above. You're at increased risk, so it's good to be aware of this. However, you can also have a perfectly normal and uneventful pregnancy.

We don't want to scare you, but we do think it's important to understand how PCOS can affect pregnancy. For more information, read our blog post, " Can I get pregnant with PCOS ?"

We hope this blog has given you a better understanding of PCOS. Do you have any further questions or concerns? Chat with us . We're happy to help.