- Irregular menstruation. If you are overweight or have abdominal obesity and face infertility issues, PCOS may be suspected. You should undergo diagnostic examinations and receive appropriate treatment from a doctor rather than self-medicating.
- Genetics. Genetics may increase the risk of PCOS. Studies show that if there is a family history, especially among direct relatives such as mother, children, or siblings with PCOS, women of reproductive age in that family have a higher chance of developing PCOS than the general population.
- PCOS disease. PCOS can lead to complications such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, uterine lining cancer, obesity, and infertility. Patients should take medications as prescribed, attend regular check-ups, and promptly consult a doctor if any abnormal symptoms occur.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), is an endocrine disorder characterized by multiple symptoms, including excess male hormones, chronic anovulation causing irregular menstruation, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity, which increases future diabetes risk.
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but it is believed to involvemultiple mechanismsthat are interconnected.
3. Who is at risk for PCOS?
About 10-20% of women of reproductive age have PCOS, with higher prevalence among those who are overweight.
Studies indicate genetics may increase PCOS risk. If first-degree relatives such as mother, children, or siblings have PCOS, reproductive-age women in that family have a higher chance of developing it. Genetic factors may involve mutations in CYP17A and CYP11A genes, causing abnormal enzyme function and an X-linked dominant inheritance pattern.
5. Why are overweight women with irregular menstruation at higher risk for PCOS?
Women who are overweight, especially with abdominal obesity—excess fat around the abdominal wall and cavity—are more prone to insulin resistance and diabetes than women with normal body shapes. This condition also disrupts hormone production, causing ovaries to produce excess male hormones, leading to irregular menstruation and the development of PCOS.
6. What symptoms suggest PCOS?
Symptoms vary individually, but if you notice any of the following abnormalities, you should consult a doctor:
- Irregular periods, such as absence of menstruation for several months, irregular cycles, or unusually heavy or light bleeding.
- Signs of excess male hormones, including severe acne, oily skin, excessive hair growth, baldness, male-pattern muscle development, or a hoarse voice.
- Obesity, overweight, or diagnosed diabetes.
- Infertility.
- Ultrasound showing multiple ovarian cysts (Polycystic ovaries).
7. Should PCOS screening be done regularly? When?
There is currently no recommendation for routine annual PCOS screening. However, women with suspicious symptoms should consult a doctor for further diagnostic evaluation.
8. How is PCOS diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves detailed patient history, physical examination, high-frequency ultrasound to evaluate ovarian cysts, and blood tests measuring sex hormones, blood sugar, and lipid levels.
Treatment is divided into
- non-medication approaches
such as diet control, exercise, and behavioral changes to increase energy expenditure. Studies show that losing at least 5% of initial body weight improves ovulation, regularizes menstruation, reduces male hormone symptoms, and lowers insulin resistance, decreasing diabetes risk.
aims to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone symptoms, decrease insulin resistance and diabetes risk, and address infertility issues.
10. What are the dangers of PCOS?
If untreated, women with PCOS face increased risks including:
- Thickening of the uterine lining and uterine lining cancer due to lack of regular shedding during menstruation, often manifesting later in life or after menopause.
- Increased risk of diabetes associated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity.Higher risk of abnormal blood lipid levels and hypertension, which if unmanaged can lead to metabolic syndrome and increased chances of cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, and paralysis in the future.11. Complications from PCOS
Complications include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, uterine lining cancer, obesity, and infertility. Prevention involves
weight control and regular exercise,
- taking prescribed medications consistently without stopping or reducing doses independently,
- attending regular medical follow-ups,
- and consulting a doctor promptly if any abnormal symptoms arise.
- .
12. Can women with PCOS have children?
Women with PCOS can have children, but chronic anovulation causes infertility in many cases. However, infertility is treatable, and consultation with a doctor is recommended.
PCOS is a chronic condition in women of reproductive age,and there is no definitive answer on how long treatment takes for a cure. Symptoms vary among individuals and are related to risks for other diseases if left untreated.14. How to manage and live with PCOS?
Women of reproductive age experiencing irregular menstruation, signs of excess male hormones, obesity or abdominal obesity, or infertility should suspect PCOS and seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor. Self-medication or discontinuing treatment is discouraged. Regular exercise, weight control, and dietary adjustments are important.
There is no clear method to prevent PCOS, but maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk. If abnormal symptoms such as irregular menstruation, severe acne, or ovarian abnormalities on ultrasound occur, prompt consultation with a doctor is advised for timely treatment.
: Dr. Arisa Kongcharoensukying, Obstetrician-Gynecologist specializing in reproductive medicine, license number W.44763. Samitivej Hospital,Srinakarin Branch.
