Most women don’t learn about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) unless they’ve had trouble getting pregnant. And that’s a shame, since PCOS isn’t just a fertility issue.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, a whopping 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have PCOS. It’s often linked to an imbalance of reproductive hormones. And this can lead to problems with the ovaries. Either eggs don’t develop the way they should, or they’re not released during ovulation.
But PCOS is so much more than that. “Women with PCOS have hormonal imbalances and metabolism problems that may affect their long-term health,” says Jane Frederick, MD. She’s a reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in Newport Beach, California.
Though PCOS is common, there are still a lot of myths floating around about what causes it and why a diagnosis matters. We asked experts to tackle them head-on.
(Another thing to tackle head-on: high prescription medication prices. Use our free prescription search tool to find coupons valid at over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide.)
Myth #1: PCOS matters only if you’re trying to get pregnant
Fact: It’s true that PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. But it’s also a lifelong condition that can have widespread health impacts.
With PCOS, your body may have high amounts of 2 hormones: androgen (the “guy” hormone) and insulin (which helps regulate blood sugar). This may lead to many PCOS symptoms that can range from frustrating to downright life-altering. Symptoms can include:
- Irregular periods
- Extra hair in places you don’t want it (on the face, chest)
- Severe acne
- Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
- Weight gain (especially around the belly)
Many people with PCOS also have insulin resistance, says Dr. Frederick. This means the body can’t use insulin well. And it can put women with PCOS at a much higher risk for serious health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that more than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40.
The risk for PCOS-related health problems increases as you get older. So knowing your risk and getting proper treatment can help you stay healthy long term.
Myth #2: You did something to cause PCOS
Fact: The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. But what we know for sure: “You are not to blame,” says Dr. Frederick. (And just to be clear, taking or stopping oral birth control pills does not cause PCOS, she adds.)
Instead, experts believe that several factors outside of your control may lead to developing PCOS. “Genetics are believed to play a role,” says Dr. Frederick. And it’s been shown that women who have a mother, sister or aunt with PCOS may be more likely to have the condition themselves.
Myth #3: PCOS is diagnosed only through a blood test
Fact: There’s no single test to diagnose PCOS, reports the Office on Women’s Health. Instead, your doctor will look at a number of tests and other factors. These may include a:
- Physical exam to look for hair loss or other signs of hormonal imbalance
- Pelvic exam to check if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen
- Blood test to check your androgen hormone levels, as well as other hormones
- Pelvic ultrasound to detect any cysts in your ovaries or changes in your uterine lining
Myth #4: You can never get pregnant if you have PCOS
Fact: This is one of the biggest myths and it’s absolutely false, says Lora Shahine, MD. She’s a reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility in Seattle.
“I’ve had too many patients say they heard this from doctors when they were first diagnosed with PCOS,” she says. “Some people may have trouble conceiving or take longer to conceive, especially if their ovulation is unpredictable and their periods are irregular. But by no means does PCOS mean you cannot have a baby.”
