Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting around 10% of women of childbearing age. While often linked to fertility, PCOS symptoms and holistic treatment approaches are relevant beyond reproductive health. The syndrome is also associated with various metabolic issues, including increased risks for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. This makes early identification and holistic care important—even when pregnancy is not a current goal.

What does polycystic ovaries mean?

Some PCOS women have polycystic ovaries. This may be because the body does not produce enough of the hormone needed for ovulation, i.e. the release of the egg. If ovulation does not occur, cysts accumulate in the ovaries, hence the name of the syndrome.

It has been suggested that these vesicles produce androgens, and this results in the androgenic effects experienced, such as increased oiliness of the skin or hair or abnormal hair growth. In addition, the androgenic effect can increase menstrual cycle problems.

What kind of symptoms can occur?

The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are diverse. Common symptoms include menstrual irregularity, prolonged bleeding and infertility.

There is also excessive hair growth, especially on the chin, upper lip, lower abdomen and back. In this case, we are talking about hirsutism. Due to the increased androgen effect, acne, oily skin or hair are also common.

Problems with sugar metabolism are related to the syndrome. The sensitivity of the tissues to insulin is weakened, which can lead to an increase in the insulin concentration in the blood and a change in fat metabolism. In practice, this can be seen as weight gain and average body obesity.

A disorder in insulin metabolism also increases the risk of developing diabetes and hypertension. The risk of venous thrombosis has also increased.

Identifying the syndrome

A diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome can be made if at least two of the criteria are met:

• Prolonged or absent menstrual cycle
• High testosterone content in the blood or excessive hair growth, i.e. hirsutism
• A polycystic ovary found in the echocardiogram

The diagnosis cannot be made if it has been less than 3 years since the start of menstruation or, based on an echocardiogram if it has been less than 8 years since the start of the menstrual cycle.

When the disease is diagnosed, blood tests can be used to measure the concentration of androgens, i.e. male hormones, produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands.

Blood sugar measurement and, if necessary, a 2-hour sugar stress test help map the situation of sugar metabolism.

Weight management and exercise are part of the treatment

In self-care, the most important cornerstones are weight management, regular exercise and losing excess weight. Even a 5% weight loss in the case of being overweight helps in normalizing the metabolism. Correcting sugar balance and insulin sensitivity is an essential part of polycystic ovary syndrome self-care. Exercise is recommended, even if the weight does not decrease because exercise improves insulin sensitivity.

Combined contraceptives, intermittent thyroid hormone therapy or a hormone coil can be used as medical treatment.

Medicines used to prevent and treat diabetes can be used to support sugar metabolism. In addition, antiandrogens are sometimes used to treat excessive hair growth.

More about nutritional treatment

Updating food and exercise habits is essential in optimizing sugar metabolism. There are also a few supplements that may help. Sufficient intake of good fatty acids (especially omega-3) and amino acids is important whenever it comes to hormonal problems. Sufficient intake of vitamin D, magnesium, folate, chromium and zinc is also important. Some get help from chastity tree extract (Vitex agnus-castus L.). In addition, some studies are also found on inositol, which can be found, for example, in oat bran, beans and wheat bran.

Conclusion

Understanding PCOS is the first step toward feeling more in control of your health. With the right support, many women are able to ease symptoms and improve well-being through PCOS symptoms and holistic treatment with lifestyle choices. If you’re looking for a gentle, personalized way to balance your hormones and feel more connected to your body, explore the Hormone Harmony program— designed to guide you with compassion and clarity.

If you want to get more detailed data about your own hormone activity, check out the DUTCH hormone analysis. In addition to testosterone, it measures the concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, melatonin and DHEA hormones, including the breakdown products of hormone metabolism.