Raising Awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

From painful and irregular periods to missed periods, you might be questioning what’s happening to your body. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) could be the culprit. This common condition affects women’s hormones, leading to the ovaries producing more follicles (eggs) that are unable to be released and instead appear as “cysts” on an ultrasound. The World Health Organization estimates that PCOS affects 8-13% of reproductive-aged women, with up to 70% remaining undiagnosed worldwide. This condition is one of the most common causes of infertility.

Some telltale signs of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, often with less than nine periods a year. Women may also experience unwanted hair growth or acne due to increased testosterone levels.

Diagnosing PCOS isn’t always straightforward, as various medical societies have different criteria depending on their focus. A patient may be evaluated by a pediatrician, gynecologist, endocrinologist, or family medicine provider. As part of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department, Alisha Lindberg, MD, is one of a handful of providers who diagnose and treat patients with PCOS. When diagnosing patients, she prefers to use the Rotterdam Criteria. “To be diagnosed, patients must meet at least two of the three criteria: menstrual dysfunction, an ultrasound showing 12 or more antral follicles (2-9mm in size), or elevated testosterone levels, which can be detected through lab tests or visibly present in the form of increased hair growth.”

Once a patient is diagnosed, treatment focuses on six key components:

• Managing symptoms associated with high testosterone (e.g., facial hair growth, cystic acne)
• Screening for co-morbid conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease, and obesity
• Preventing the overgrowth of the uterine lining and reducing the risk of endometrial cancer
• Family planning (discussing birth control vs. fertility assistance). Even without regular periods, it is still possible to get pregnant if you are not using birth control. For those having trouble conceiving, ovulation induction may be an option.
• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, which can help alleviate symptoms. Dr. Lindberg encourages patients to build sustainable habits: drink eight glasses of water daily, find an enjoyable physical activity and do it for 60 minutes most days, and increase fiber and vegetable consumption rather than restricting food intake.
• Addressing mental health components

Treatment goals may vary depending on the specialty of the healthcare provider. While there is no cure for PCOS, your medical team can help you manage your symptoms. To request an appointment with the Women’s Health Department, call 218.545.1049 or complete a consultation form.