So What is PCOS?

So what is PCOS?

The trouble with defining Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) lies in that it is not a disease per say, but it operates like one. In fact, three different sources from medical professionals on PCOS (journal, website, book) all state the jury is still out on this one.

Syndrome is derived the Greek syndrome translated to combination; thus, a syndrome is a combination of symptoms that characterize a particular condition (Merriam Webster). A disease is “a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms” (Merriam Webster). So to differentiate in layman’s terms a disease we can see working and literally “distinguish the signs and symptoms” while a syndrome simply doesn’t always have signs that stand out like a sore thumb screaming “I’m PCOS! Treat me!” With a disease like cancer it attacks the body and doctors can utilize their knowledge of the signs of the disease to inform treatment. With a syndrome, doctors can anticipate the effects, but the doctors can’t truly tell you what it means per each individual. According to medical journalist Collette Harris PCOS is “a metabolic disorder that can cause hormonal imbalances and a whole array of symptoms” (1).The characteristics of PCOS vary and doctors had to put pieces of my “no period” puzzle together to determine a diagnosis. From my reading I have ascertained PCOS has boggled the minds of medical professionals. As my doctor put it “if you are in med school right now you are studying this condition” (Ziouras). The internationally renowned Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) clearly notes doctors do not know the cause of PCOS or its “cure.” Unfortunately, PCOS acts as one of the most common “hormonal disorders of women of reproductive age--” so many women deal with this affliction, yet have very few answers as to why they do (Mayoclinic.com).

Some women with PCOS struggle with weight gain (me), experience abnormal periods, excessive hair growth, hair loss, diabetes, skin tags, high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, and quite literally have cysts on their ovaries (Mayoclininc.com). But not every woman with PCOS has every symptom or same combination or the same severity. For example, for awhile I had only two of these symptoms, only late in college did I experience more. Thus the doctors treating me didn’t see enough symptoms to feel I had PCOS (that’s my guess anyways). After my dad died and the stress in my life with a new teaching job more of the symptoms compounded into my current combination of characteristics: weight gain, no period, diabetes, and fatigue. No tell-tale sign gave my doctor the diagnosis—she had to literally pick my life a part and examine my lifestyle as well as my blood and my cooch.

Early on after my diagnosis I realized understanding the complexities of PCOS is about as easy as building the Eiffel Tower in a day. As a fellow reader described “its not a one size fits all disorder.” Neither is treatment. Some doctors ask you to lose weight (weight loss helps a ton of women), others ask you to take medication, some give you a combination of ideas to try. There is no catch all remedy to ease this malady. For instance a reader wrote me describing her incredible weight loss (WOO HOO) which resulted in her bearing a healthy child, a healthy lifestyle, and healthy menstruation. By losing weight she was able to free herself from enough PCOS symptoms to get pregnant. My sister with PCOS had the same experience—after losing weight she suddenly found herself pregnant when she had no reason to think she could be. The treatment assigned to me has been to live and breathe as if I were a diabetic (I’m technically not). It’s become obvious through many doctor’s visits the most alarming symptom in me is my insulin resistance. I take 850 mg of Metformin three times a day, work out, menu plan, and try to be active. But as much as I try to shed pounds I can’t seem to fall below the 168 mark. My doctor says for me it’s more about not gaining anymore pounds and keeping a healthy metabolism. I changed my life, my grocery store habits, and how I approach food. Sometimes I cheat, but I don’t panic when I have a treat now and then. I avoid sugary foods, I watch my sodium intake, and I’ve banned certain items from the house. And I read about my particular condition, ways to combat its effects, and simple ideas for altering my lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t let PCOS debilitate you—I’ve learned this over the last few years. It’s no picnic in the park either. If you have PCOS or know someone who does I encourage you to advocate for support. This doesn’t necessarily require you to schedule an appointment for the therapist--- talk to someone, find support groups online or in person, or leave a comment on this blog. I can honestly say I have an inkling of what you may be experiencing.

Here’s some groups and links you might find helpful:
American Society of Reproductive Medicine: www.asrm.org
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
Project PCOS blog: www.projectpcos.org
PCOS Network: http://www.pcosnetwork.com/articles/about/

PCOS and Your Fertility by Collete Harris
Fertility Foods by Jeremy Groll MD