PCOS – What Is It? – Article 1

This will be a series of articles discussing PCOS as well as an actual patient of PCOS.  Check back to continue reading.

What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?  It is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age.  It’s characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens (male hormones), and sometimes enlarged ovaries with many follicles (fluid-filled sacs). The symptoms can vary, but may include irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive facial or body hair, acne, and weight gain. 

PCOS can cause several issues for women, including irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems, excessive hair growth, acne and weight gain. It also increases the risk of long-term health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. 

To diagnose PCOS, an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders, conducts a physical exam. He or she checks you for increased body and facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, and other symptoms of increased androgen levels.

Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).

 “PCOS belly,” or abdominal weight gain associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), often presents as an “apple-shaped” body with excess fat accumulation around the midsection. This can include an enlarged abdomen, a firm feel due to visceral fat, and a higher waist-to-hip ratio compared to other types of weight gain. 

A Pap smear cannot detect Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  A Pap smear is a test used to screen for cervical cancer by examining cells from the cervix. PCOS, on the other hand, is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and menstrual cycle. 

PCOS is often mistakenly diagnosed as conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid issues, adrenal disorders, or endometriosis. It’s also important to distinguish PCOS from polycystic ovaries (PCO), as PCO refers to the appearance of the ovaries, while PCOS is a syndrome with hormonal imbalances and other related symptoms. 

PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because some of its symptoms have a variety of potential causes. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding could be caused by a range of conditions, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, bleeding disorders, certain medications, or pelvic inflammatory disease, in addition to PCOS.  In addition, PCOS does not allow the body to process insulin effectively.  It’s the insulin resistance that puts patients at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.

Insurance generally will not cover Ozempic for the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  While some insurance plans may cover Ozempic when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, they typically do not cover it for off-label use like PCOS treatment, according to GoodRx and SingleCare.  However, Blue Cross Blue Shield does pay for most of the cost of Ozempic if you meet the criteria to allow for coverage.  

Don’t forget to check back to read the next article about PCOS.