We would have preferred PCOS to be the name of the latest trendy cardio class, but these are the much less fun initials that form “polycystic ovarian syndrome” (a syndrome we could do without). Also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome or polycystic ovarian disease, it is a disease with multiple effects, which affects the ovaries and can disrupt the fertility of women who suffer from it. We take stock.
What is PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Still poorly known and poorly diagnosed (some women remain unaware of their pathology for years), polycystic ovary syndrome nevertheless affects many women, but is still not easy to identify — particularly because of symptoms that are not always present. .
Due to a hormonal imbalance of ovarian or pituitary origin (a gland which produces our hormones necessary for the maturation of oocytes, LH and ), this disease affects the endocrine system and disrupts the menstrual cycle. It notably increases the production of hormones such as:
- testosterone;
- LH (luteinizing hormone)
If producing androgen is normal (it contributes to our mood, our libido, etc.), producing too much, on the other hand, leads to very unpleasant disturbances ( spoilers: see “symptoms” paragraph ).
To know :
> The name of this pathology refers to the proliferation of small cysts around the ovaries, without a dominant follicle. This is visible during an ultrasound.
> It is the most common endocrine disease in women , and affects approximately 1 woman of childbearing age (from adolescence to menopause) in 10.
> It is the leading cause of female infertility .
Causes of PCOS
It is not possible — as with most illnesses — to find just one cause of PCOS; many factors come into play. Genetics plays its role since predisposition genes have indeed been identified (around twenty) but they do not explain everything. Sometimes you have to look for family history (don't hesitate to ask the women in your family). Finally, even if no study proves it to date, endocrine disruptors are suspected of having an impact on this disorder.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Not all women affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome have the same symptoms. And these are not always all present, the diagnosis becomes more complex. But this hormonal disease is characterized by excessive production of testosterone (usually produced in small quantities in the female body). It is this high rate which leads to numerous dysfunctions, which are painful in women's daily life.
1. Gynecological symptoms
- Irregular or less frequent periods (the doctor calls it spaniomenorrhea), or even an absence of periods (there, he will call you amenorrhea).
- We also speak of anovulatory cycles, during which ovulation does not occur, therefore preventing the possibility of getting pregnant.
2. Body symptoms
- excessive hair growth (hirsutism);
- acne problems;
- hair loss;
- of obesity.
3. Metabolic symptoms
PCOS is also characterized by a metabolic syndrome, such as:
- Insulin resistance (even if to date, doubts remain about whether this resistance is a consequence, or a cause).
- The risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels.
Is it possible to get pregnant with PCOS?
The link between PCOS and infertility is common (PCOS causing, as we have seen, menstrual cycles during which ovulation is impossible) but nevertheless not systematic. When fertility problems occur, they are of ovulatory origin.
Pregnancies for women with PCOS often unfortunately have more complications: higher late pregnancy rate, risk of gestational diabetes, prematurity, perinatal mortality, pre-eclampsia, etc. And miscarriages are more frequent - particularly because of higher insulin levels. But don't panic: thanks to medical advances, these difficulties and complications surrounding fertility do not prevent you from getting pregnant! It might just take a little more patience, lighting and preparation.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or gynecologist as quickly as possible to make a diagnosis. He will probably be able to prescribe a hormonal assessment to measure certain hormone levels such as:
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH);
- lutenizing hormone (LH).
And then prescribe ovarian stimulation treatment.
If you know you have PCOS, consider making a few small adaptations to your daily life now, this can greatly help prepare your body for pregnancy. Have regular physical activity, eat a conscious and balanced diet, sleep well... Sometimes simple changes in your lifestyle can have a physical, but also mental, impact on fertility. In addition, of course, to keeping you healthy!
You can also implement folic acid supplementation to avoid possible fetal malformations and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
And to put all the chances of pregnancy on your side if you are planning a baby, don't hesitate to take a course of food supplements. Which one, for example? We have a little idea for you... our fertility vitamins for women are ideal for providing the vitamins and minerals that you will need more than ever!
BONUS: Discover the benefits of vitamin D for pregnancy .
