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6 Myths About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is primarily affecting women of childbearing age and also affects fertility. Multiple cysts develop in the ovaries that cause irregular menstrual cycle, acne, access hair growth on the face, trouble sleeping and weight gain. Women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones called androgens and elevated levels of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.
There are several myths that are attached to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that we are busting in this article.

PCOS Myths:
You can’t get pregnant
The most common myth about PCOS is that you can’t get pregnant if you have been detected with PCOS. This is not true. Several medicines can stimulate ovulation, which is the main issue that women with PCOS face. Many fertility treatments are also available for women with PCOS.

PCOS affects overweight women
It is a fact that access weight and obesity worsen the PCOS symptoms, however, it is a myth that PCOS affects only overweight women. It can affect anyone.

Increase in the number of facial hair
It is a myth that if you are suffering from PCOS, there will be access to facial hair growth. PCOS does increase the androgen in the body, which leads to hair growth, however, the symptoms vary from person to person.

Irregular periods
Irregular periods can be caused by different reasons such as fibroids in the uterus, diet, thyroid, over-exercise, and dieting. Irregular periods are one of the symptoms of PCOS, however, it doesn’t happen to all who suffer from it.

Losing weight can cure PCOS
Another myth related to PCOS is that if you lose weight, you can cure it. It is a myth that needs to be busted. It is advised to follow a healthy lifestyle if you have been diagnosed with PCOS, however, losing weight doesn’t cure PCOS. Losing weight can cure 10% of the PCOS symptoms.

PCOS can be cured.
PCOS can be treated and managed but not cured. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the other health problems seen in patients. Hence, if you are obese or have thyroid or diabetes, controlling the underlying condition is important to deal with PCOS. As said earlier, diet control and control is usually the first line of treatment in young girls, then medications and then IVF (if you cannot conceive). Also, as PCOS runs in families, it is important to get your daughter get regular health check-ups if you have PCOS. Also, look for changes in her periods after menarche to know about the condition at an early age and get treated.
If you have any queries or have come across more such myths on PCOS, please contact Jannee Fertility Centre.