PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder found among women. Women during their reproductive age sometimes might have infrequent or extended menstrual periods. In some cases, they might even have an excess of androgen (male hormone) in their bodies. These result in the ovaries failing to regularly produce and release eggs. This is because they develop numerous small follicles in them.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is under research, experts conclude that early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications. Regardless, rumors fly high related to PCOS and getting pregnant with PCOS. Not only about pregnancy, but there are also various other myths centering around women having the syndrome. Some of the most common myths will be debunked and explained to raise awareness in this article.
Women with PCOS must have Polycystic Ovaries – Myth #1
Going by the name, one would simply assume that the term ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ does directly influence what the syndrome is actually. In other words, it might seem like women must have polycystic ovaries to have PCOS. In reality, that’s not always the case.
Studies have found that many women who have been diagnosed with PCOS do not have cysts on their ovaries. Or, having cysts doesn’t necessarily mean one has PCOS. The syndrome, in reality, can be regarded as a reproductive metabolic syndrome. The primary hallmarks are not cysts but abnormalities in the metabolic and reproductive systems.
Women diagnosed with PCOS have to have any two of these three conditions –
- Excess Androgen levels
- Irregularity in the Menstrual cycle
- Having multiple follicles or cystic ovaries.
Women with PCOS cannot conceive – Myth #2
It isn’t true that women cannot get pregnant if they are diagnosed with PCOS. Although it is a fact that the syndrome delays the process, it doesn’t make one completely infertile. This delay is because of the hormonal changes occurring in the body that affects the ovary’s capability to produce eggs. Even if there might be issues with the quality of the eggs, there are ways how women with PCOS can get pregnant.
The first step to that is weight loss. One can definitely overcome the syndrome with the right amount of exercise, diet control, sleep, and water intake. Besides that, with clinical assistance from reputed physicians, one can intake follicle-stimulating drugs and other medications. Moreover, there are different assisted reproductive technologies like IVF (In vitro fertilization). Therefore, PCOS doesn’t make a woman inconceivable.
Sudden activities by women cause PCOS – Myth #3
Although the exact reason why PCOS occurs is still under research, one thing is certain. It is a biological phenomenon that also includes genetics. A woman’s activities in her day-to-day life are not the ones to blame, even if diagnosed with PCOS.
Androgens or male hormones specifically control the development of male traits in women. It is usual for all women to produce the hormone in small amounts. However, those with PCOS usually secrete more androgen than average. This prevents the role of female hormones from working normally to ovulate properly. It also disrupts menstrual cycles in women as the hormone progesterone fails to work typically.
Also, PCOS makes women produce more than enough estrogen, another female hormone. This unobstructed secretion of the hormone also contributes to the symptoms of PCOS. Not just that, it might also lead to risks of having uterine cancer. Ovarian cancer is another danger that women face. NTO non-profit is working on raising funds to support the research on ovarian cancer.
Only obese women are prone to having PCOS – Myth #4
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome does not discriminate when choosing its prey; it affects women of reproductive age, regardless of their body structure. While it is true that many women having PCOS are overweight or suffering from obesity, this doesn’t, however, make any statement. Nevertheless, it is true that obesity in women can further contribute to PCOS symptoms.
Insulin resistance and androgen hormones are the ones that cause the syndrome. The only relation between PCOS and weight is the body’s inability to produce insulin in the right amounts. It is one of those reasons why fertility experts suggest patients eat a balanced and healthy diet and exercise regularly.
PCOS always leads to unwanted hair growth – Myth #5
One of the most identical symptoms of PCOS is hirsutism. This happens because of excess androgen levels in the body, for which abnormal hair growth happens. Many women with the syndrome have unwanted hair growth on their upper lip, chin, or chest. However, there is also no fixed parameter for PCOS. Not all women face this symptom.
Wrapping Up
Myths and rumors blur the reality about matters like getting pregnant with PCOS. While dealing with PCOS, it is essential to be aware of the actual symptoms. It is crucial to always maintain a proper diet and do lots of exercise when you have PCOS. However, losing weight alone does not make one get rid of PCOS. Patients need medication and medical support.
