PCOS: more than just a reproductive issue

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is most commonly diagnosed in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) between the ages of 20 and 30, but it can happen at any age. While it’s often discovered after difficulty conceiving, PCOS is more than just a cause of infertility; it’s a lifelong condition with potentially serious health impacts if not managed properly. This makes it important to know the signs, symptoms and effects of PCOS at any age.

What is PCOS? 

Like the rest of your body, your reproductive system depends on a careful balance of hormones to function properly. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that occurs when your ovaries produce too much of a group of hormones called androgens (including testosterone) which affects ovulation. PCOS is thought to occur in as many as 1 in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S., and it can cause a wide range of symptoms in many different parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of PCOS? 

PCOS symptoms can vary widely, making it difficult to diagnose. Some people with PCOS do not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience problems that go beyond the reproductive system and fertility issues. The wide variety of symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. PCOS can occur in women or people AFAB of all races and ethnicities, and it is more common in people who have obesity or a family history of PCOS. PCOS symptoms can, but do not always, include: 

• Irregular periods
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Acne
• Skin tags
• Darkening patches of skin
• Excessive body hair (especially on the face, chest or back)

PCOS symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated, so talk to your provider if you are experiencing any of these signs. To help you start a conversation with your provider, we’ve put together a self-assessment to help you determine your risks.

Does PCOS change as you age? 

While some symptoms or features of PCOS may change with time, the hormonal imbalance does not go away as you age. Even after menopause, PCOS remains a lifelong condition that requires careful management. Some people with PCOS may find that their periods become more regular as they approach menopause, but they remain at increased risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease throughout their lifetimes. Symptoms like hair loss on the scalp or excessive body hair on the face, chest or back may also persist.

Is PCOS linked to other health problems? 

PCOS has been linked to a number of other conditions. Common features of PCOS include insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Possible PCOS complications include: 

• Diabetes: More than 50% of women with PCOS will be diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes before they turn 40
• High blood pressure (hypertension): PCOS increases your risk of hypertension, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke
• Anxiety/Depression: Around 40% of people with PCOS experience anxiety and depression
• Cancer: Research has connected PCOS with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, which results from thickening of the lining of the uterus due to hormone imbalance
• Abnormal cholesterol: If you have PCOS, you may have higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol which increase your risk for heart disease and stroke

How to test for PCOS

Currently, PCOS cannot be diagnosed by any single test. To make a diagnosis, healthcare providers typically use a number of methods to look for three key features of PCOS:

• Irregular menstrual cycle: Your provider will ask about your menstrual cycle and medical history
• High androgen levels: Your provider may look first for obvious signs and symptoms of excess androgens, which include acne, dark patches of skin, hair loss on the scalp and excess hair on the face, chest or back. Blood tests may also be ordered to measure hormone levels more precisely
• Ovarian cysts: An ultrasound may be performed to detect cysts or other abnormalities on your ovaries, as well as abnormalities of the uterine lining

PCOS shares symptoms with some other hormone-related conditions like hypothyroidism, so your healthcare provider may work to rule these out before making a PCOS diagnosis. Also, because PCOS often occurs alongside conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, your provider may run additional tests and screenings.

For those considering pregnancy, it’s important to remember that pregnancy is still possible. With Labcorp OnDemand’s Women’s Fertility Ovarian Reserve Test, you can take an important first step in your reproductive journey. Because it also monitors levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a key hormone involved the formation of follicles in the ovaries, it may also provide important information to your doctor to potentially aid in the diagnosis of PCOS.

Treatment for PCOS

PCOS is a lifelong condition and has no cure, but by working with your provider, you can manage the symptoms. Your provider may recommend hormonal birth control, androgen-blocking medications or other treatments. They may also lifestyle and dietary changes to help you maintain a healthy weight. It’s important to continue to work with your provider over time, as PCOS symptoms may change as you age.

Have PCOS symptoms and want to know your risk? 

PCOS is complex, and only your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis. If you’re experiencing symptoms, check out our comprehensive PCOS quiz and start the conversation with your provider