Myths of PCOS

Before we start talking about the Myths of PCOS, let’s have a brief explanation of PCOS.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS) is a women’s health condition which is a common but frequently undiagnosed disorder in which some hormones are out of control. These imbalances typically show up as

• irregular menstrual cycles,
• higher levels of androgens (including testosterone) in the body,
• or small cysts in the ovaries.

Do we know the cause of PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects the body well beyond the ovaries. It’s still not clear what causes PCOS, so the reasons are certainly different for different patients, and  Genetics, behavior, lifestyle, and the atmosphere will all play a part respectively.PCOS is under-diagnosed and under-treated. That may be because the signs may be minor or seem to be unrelated.

It’s convenient to provide a scientific description, but like any other health condition, PCOS is still surrounded by misconceptions.

Here we are busting 7 Myths of PCOS:

Myth 1: If you have PCOS, you have a cyst on your ovary: 

• No. Not everyone with PCOS has small cysts in their ovaries—cysts are a symptom of PCOS, rather than a cause.

• PCOS cysts are different than the kind of ovarian cysts that grow, rupture, and cause pain.

Myth of PCOS 2: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS

• PCOS is a common cause of infertility. The hormonal problem affects the ovary’s ability to release an egg to be potentially fertilized for pregnancy.
• But you can still get pregnant, both naturally or after fertility treatments such as follicle-stimulating drugs.

Myth 3: If your menstrual cycle is irregular you have PCOS

• NO. A normal cycle is anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Outside of that, breastfeeding, extreme dieting or overexercising, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, and thyroid disorders are potential causes for a cycle that’s out of whack.
• Stress too can factor in.

NOTE: If your cycle is less than 22 days or greater than 34 days long, without a doubt we recommend you to talk to your ob-gyn. Through an exam and by running additional tests as needed (like a blood test to look at thyroid levels), your GYN can identify the likely cause.

Myth 4 : I can treat PCOS with medicine

• No. Diet, exercise, and behavioral changes can have a big impact on preventing and managing PCOS.
• Limiting simple carbohydrates and sugars in the diet, quit smoking, etc can help to keep PCOS in control.

 Myth 5: You can’t lose weight

• It tends to be harder to lose weight but not impossible.
• The hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation related to this condition make it difficult for women with PCOS to shed weight.
• Yet, even a small weight loss of approximately 5% can improve insulin resistance, hormone levels, menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall quality of life in women with PCOS

Myth 6: Women with PCOS are overweight

• There’s a misconception that we have to be the stereotypical overweight woman.
• Evidence suggests that women with PCOS may gain weight more easily than other women and also find it more difficult to lose weight.

Myth 7: PCOS cannot be treated

• Although there is no cure yet, there are many ways you can decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms and feel better.
• Your GYN may offer different medicines that can treat symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair, and elevated blood sugar.
• Fertility treatments are available to help women get pregnant. Losing as little as 5% excess weight can help women ovulate more regularly and lessen other PCOS symptoms. The ideal way to do this is through nutrition and exercise.

Also Read: Women’s sexuality: decoded myths and reality

The Bottom Line – Myths of PCOS

We know you find it’s hard to shed extra weight and hold it off, but it’s important to keep up your efforts. Your efforts help reduce the risk of severe health problems that can impact people with PCOS even faster than women without PCOS. 

A balanced diet — low in inflammatory foods like refined carbs and highly processed foods but rich in whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and fiber — may aid weight loss. Certain supplements may help as well.

Lifestyle should also be taken into consideration. Regular exercise, stress management, and sleep are all important to weight loss.