Be Aware of the Signs—It’s Not Just in Your Head
PCOS Awareness Month
Brittany Hall
The Ashland Beacon
“You don’t look sick.” “Just lose weight.” “Are you sure you want to eat that?” “Well if you would just exercise…” “Yeah, but that’s only a fertility issue…” “Is that a real thing?”
These are just a few of the things that women hear on a regular basis from friends, family, and even doctors when they suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Statistics show that one in ten women will be diagnosed with a form of PCOS. Why do women hear these things? It’s no different than anyone else with an auto-immune or endocrine disorder who hears similar remarks. Again, why, you ask? Because it can’t be seen on the outside like you might think. It’s not always an externally recognized illness, but it affects everything on the inside and the outside.
PCOS affects an estimated eight to thirteen percent of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In some cases, a woman’s symptoms are even ignored by physicians right here in the US. Can you imagine going to a medical professional in America and being told, “It’s all in your head” or “That’s not a real illness”? But, countless men and women hear it everyday about their health for various reasons.
So, what is PCOS exactly? It’s an imbalance of reproductive hormones and metabolism disruptions, causing insulin resistance, thyroid issues, ovarian cysts, and infertility. There are four types – Insulin resistant, medication induced, inflammatory, and adrenal.
- Insulin resistant is the most common type affecting 70% of all women with PCOS.
- Medication induced is caused by the temporary surge of androgens post-birth control usage and is enough to qualify for a diagnosis.
- Inflammatory PCOS is a long-term chronic internal inflammation affecting joints, skin conditions, and food sensitivities causing blood tests to show high levels of CRP (C-reactive protein).
- Adrenal PCOS affects about 10% of women diagnosed. Symptoms are similar to Insulin Resistance, but require different testing. Adrenal PCOS only tests for DHEAS while having normal testosterone, estrogen, and androstenedione levels.
What are the causes? Several things can cause PCOS, such as high levels of androgens and insulin, estrogen and testosterone imbalances, medication, etc. Research has shown that it seems to be inherited from the mothers’ side, as well.
And the symptoms? Just to name a few – weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss and hair growth in various areas, acne, skin discoloration, fatigue, etc.
Can it be treated? Can a woman still get pregnant? Can it be reversed? Yes, yes, and no. However, it can be maintained and treated with a plan created with a physician or care team so that women can live a healthy, normal life and carry during pregnancy with as little complications as possible. There are many supplements, vitamins, prescription medication, and dietary options that women should discuss with their physician to decide what works best for them and their particular needs.
What happens if PCOS goes untreated? Well, it can cause some serious health issues like diabetes, cancer, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, and depression.
Sami Hatten is a young, active wife and mom who might not “look like” she has a potentially serious health issue on the outside when, in reality, she was that one in ten who received a diagnosis of PCOS with insulin resistance, causing Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Hatten was diagnosed at 18 after noticing symptoms of weight gain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. She spoke with her gynecologist, and that conversation led to further testing and inevitable diagnosis. Her journey hasn’t been an easy one. She and her husband have both made necessary changes in their day-to-day life and diet. “A strong support system is so important because if you have to change your diet and your household and family aren’t supportive and willing to help, then your care and treatment won’t be successful.”
When asked about how she felt after her diagnosis, it was a common reaction. “I felt relief because we finally knew what was going on and could start treatment. I’m so glad I talked to my doctor about what I was experiencing. I became educated on what PCOS was and how to take care of myself and feel better.” Initially, her “why” was just to feel better, but that looks a little different now. Now, her “why” is a two-year-old little boy who calls her Mom. “He is my why. I want to be able to feel well enough to play with him and be able take care of him.”
Hatten is now 24, and after some “trial and error” treatment plans is on the right track to better living. “You have to find what works for you.” She strongly recommends having the same conversation with a primary physician or gynecologist for any woman who is experiencing any symptoms. “It’s very important to talk to them about it. It could change your life!” She went on to say that even though awareness is becoming more widespread, “We still need more research about it. I think it’s becoming more well-known because more women are being diagnosed so more people are talking about it.”
Hatten is now insulin pump and injection free, down to one oral medication and completely off all hypertension medications. She was adamant about how much her overall health has improved since her diagnosis. Once again, encouraging women to talk to their doctors and spouses for support. “Ask questions. Do research. Find a doctor that will listen and do the right testing to find out what’s going on. Finding the right doctor is very important.”