Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Hirsutism
"What exactly is PCOS and how does it cause hirsutism in our clients? PCOS is
one of the most common endocrine disorders facing women today, affecting as many
as five million
women in the U.S. It affects up to 10 percent of women of reproductive age (12
to 45 years) although it can be found in girls as young as seven or eight and
women well past menopause.
This disorder is thought to be the leading cause of diminished capacity for
fertility in women. Although PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility,
the reproductive aspects of the disorder are secondary as PCOS is not limited to
women of reproductive age and may not improve after menopause.
PCOS is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Common symptoms of PCOS may
include irregular or no menstrual periods for women of reproductive age;
irregular ovulation with or without bleeding; severe acne including cystic acne;
thinning scalp hair; excessive hair growth on face and body (hirsutism); build
up of follicles on the edges of the ovaries, these are often mislabeled as
"cysts" and called "polycystic ovaries."
It is not necessary to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS and in fact, it
is not necessary to have the "polycystic ovaries" to have PCOS.
Weight management issues are found in over 60 percent of those suffering from
PCOS. This can lead to obesity even with normal caloric intake due to the
glucose which is stored as fat instead
of being used as energy, or being made available for other functions within the
body. This can lead to chronic fatigue and under nourishment. It is important to
note that 40 percent of women with PCOS exhibit normal weight and may even fall
under the normal weight range.
Insulin resistance and diabetes are also exhibited in those with PCOS. More than
50 percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or impaired glucose
tolerance(pre-diabetes) before the age of 40.
Acanthosis nigricans may also be present. This is the medical term for darkened,
velvety skin on the nape of the neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva, or under
breasts. This skin condition is a sign of insulin resistance.
The risk of heart attack is almost seven times higher in women with PCOS than
those without this condition. These women also have a greater risk of high blood
pressure, stroke, higher LDL(bad)
cholesterol and low levels of HDL(good) cholesterol, and often develop sleep
apnea, when breathing stops for short moments during sleep. PCOS sufferers may
also develop anxiety and depression.
Women with PCOS may also be a risk for endometrial cancer. Estrogen is produced,
but progesterone is not due to the irregular menstrual cycles and lack of
ovulation. Without progesterone the lining of the womb, called endometrium, will
become thick and will not shed during the menstrual period. Over time this can
cause heavy or irregular bleeding and can lead to a condition where the lining
grows too much and may cause cancer.
More than 75 percent of clients with PCOS have some level of hirsutism. This is
an over production of the hormone, androgen. Hirsutism can be caused by an
increased level of androgens or an oversensitivity of hair follicles to
androgens. New studies implicate high circulating levels of insulin in women
that contribute to the development of hirsutism. It is speculated that innsulin,
at high enough concetration, stimulates the ovarian cells to produce androgens.
While the actual cause of PCOS is unknown, these factors likely play a role:
Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use
sugar(glucose), it is the body’s primary energy supply. If the body has insulin
resistance, the ability to use insulin effectively is impaired, and the pancreas
has to secrete more insulin to make glucose available to cells. The excess
insulin is thought to boost androgen production by the ovaries.
Heredity may also play a role in PCOS. If a female family member has PCOS, the
client might have a greater chance of having it, too.
There is no specific test to definitely diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome. The
diagnosis is one of exclusion. A medical history and physical exam will take
menstrual cycles, weight, blood pressure, and various symptoms into
consideration. A pelvic examination and ultrasound will inspect reproductive
organs for signs of masses, growths, or other inconsistent abnormalities. Blood
test will also be performed to measure hormones, cholesterol, and tryglyceride
level.
Treatment of PCOS is usually centered on specific concerns. The physician might
suggest regulating menstrual cycles through prescription medications. As
professional electrologists we work with the PCOS clients to assist in removal
of the excess hair associated with hirsutism. In addition to prescription
medications, clients with PCOS might investigate more holistic or natural forms
of care such as a diet rich with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains,
brown rice, and beans; increased exercise program and supplements like alpha
lipoic acids, B12 and B6, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, and cinnamon root.
Treatment of symptoms can often mask the underlying issues which can lead to
more serious conditions, like diabetes and endometrial cancer, so a team
approach to care includes a primary physician or ob/gyn, endocrinologist,
dermatologist, nutritionist, physical trainer and electrologist!
Helping our clients deal with the hirsutism or acne associated with PCOS will
alleviate some of the stress that goes along with this condition. Understanding
the underlying causes and symptoms may allow you to help a client struggling
with undiagnosed PCOS to seek a physician’s care and perhaps discover the answer
to a long time health concern."
by Nadine Toriello, The Society for Clinical & Medical Hair Removal, Inc
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS facts
PCOS diagnosis