Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, often abbreviated as PCOS, is a common hormonal condition that affects women in their fertile years. It is estimated that about one in 10 women struggle with this condition, although the degree to which they experience symptoms varies widely. PCOS can have a broad impact and lead to a disrupted menstrual cycle, reduced fertility and external changes such as excessive hair and acne. The condition can also affect the overall health and emotional well-being of women affected by it. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what PCOS entails, what symptoms can occur and what treatment options are available!

What is PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce more male hormones (androgens) than normal. This excess of androgens interferes with the maturation of eggs, often causing ovulation to occur irregularly or not at all. As a result, the menstrual cycle becomes disrupted. During an ultrasound, several small, fluid-filled vesicles are often visible in the ovaries. These are called follicles and give the syndrome its name: polycystic literally means “many vesicles. Although these follicles are sometimes mistaken for cysts, in the medical sense they are not.

Symptoms and causes of PCOS

The symptoms in PCOS vary greatly from woman to woman, which makes the condition not always easy to recognize. Some women hardly notice anything and discover the syndrome only when pregnancy fails to occur, while others experience many symptoms. This can have a major impact on daily life, self-image and emotional health.

The exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is still not fully known. However, it is clear that both hereditary factors and insulin resistance play an important role. With insulin resistance, the body does not respond as well to insulin, so more insulin is produced. This stimulates the ovaries to produce additional male hormones (androgens), further disrupting hormone balance.

Because hereditary predisposition often comes into play, PCOS occurs regularly within families. The combination of genetic factors and lifestyle makes the condition complex and multifaceted. Common symptoms and causes include:

• Irregular cycle or complete absence of periods, often accompanied by irregular or absent ovulation, which can make getting pregnant more difficult.
• Excessive hair growth on areas such as the face, abdomen or back, caused by increased levels of androgens.
• Oily skin and/or persistent acne, which often continues to recur in adulthood.
• Thinning or falling out of head hair, which can lead to insecurity about appearance.
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight, partly because insulin resistance affects the body in how it stores and uses your energy.
• Hereditary factors: women with a mother or sister with polycystic ovarian syndrome are themselves more likely to develop it.
• Insulin resistance: the body does not respond adequately to insulin, so more insulin is produced and the ovaries produce extra androgens.

Health implications of Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome goes beyond the visible symptoms and fertility problems. Women with this condition have an increased long-term risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Type 2 diabetes, for example, is more common, as are high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. These risk factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

In addition to physical effects, PCOS can also be psychologically taxing. Dealing with uncertainties surrounding fertility, changes in appearance or long-term treatments can be emotionally demanding and affect self-confidence and quality of life.

Treatment options

Although PCOS cannot be cured, there are several treatment options that can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Often treatment begins with lifestyle modifications. Healthy eating, increased exercise and losing weight when overweight can improve insulin sensitivity and favorably affect hormone balance. When this is not enough, medication can be used.

Birth control pills are often prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms such as acne or excessive hair growth. For women who desire to have children and experience difficulty getting pregnant, there are fertility treatments that stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy. Do you have symptoms due to polycystic ovarian syndrome? If so, contact your family doctor for personal advice and to see together which treatment method best suits your situation.

PCOS and menstrual products

For women with PCOS, menstruating can be especially challenging because the cycle is often irregular and bleeding can sometimes be more heavy than normal. This makes it important to use reliable and comfortable menstrual products that provide security, no matter how unpredictable the cycle is. At Beppy, we understand how important it is for women to feel free and confident, even during periods of uncertainty. That’s why we develop products that address the specific needs of women with fluctuating or heavy periods, so they are well supported in every situation. Check out our sustainable menstrual products!

Do you have any questions about our products? Then feel free to contact us! We are happy to help you.