Maria Katrina Paras

All Our PCOS Questions, Answered by a Medical Expert

Article (news)

<p><strong>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome</strong>, more commonly known as <strong>PCOS</strong>, is more common than we think.</p><div><br/></div><p>Chances are, you or someone you know has this hormonal condition. According to <strong>Dr. Orbigoso-Gloria</strong><strong></strong>, “It occurs in 5 to 10% of women. Patients would consult due to absent or infrequent menstrual periods, signs of increased male hormones like acne, increased body hair or even hair loss. Patients are usually obese, with poor blood sugar tolerance, having difficulty getting pregnant and may have a family history in first-degree relatives.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:814px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733371737468pexels-cliff-booth-6590856.jpg" style="width:814px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-napkin-with-flowers-6590856/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Photo by Cliff Booth on Pexels</a></span></span></span> </div><p>As with any health challenge, knowledge is power. Knowing more reduces worry, helps you prepare, and gives you a clearer vision of what to expect. But it can be quite overwhelming to figure out how to start researching about it, especially because it doesn’t have a one-and-done cure— it’s something you have to live with. “It is a lifelong disease, but treatments are available to make it manageable.”</p><div><br/></div><p>With this, we’ve enlisted the expert help of <strong>Dr. Anafe Orbigoso-Gloria, MD</strong>, an <strong>Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Makati Medical Center</strong> to help us better understand what it means to have PCOS and how to you can take care of yourself better. Read on as she tries to answer some common questions in a nutshell.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:814px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733372313135pexels-karolina-grabowska-7282109.jpg" style="width:1000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-a-sanitary-napkin-7282109/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Photo by Kaboompics on Pexels</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What does it mean to have PCOS?</strong></div><p>Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a collection of signs and symptoms and is a metabolic and reproductive syndrome. The Rotterdam criteria is what most doctors use to make the diagnosis of PCOS. Two out of three of the following criteria are required to make the diagnosis:</p><ol style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-inline-start:48px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p>Oligo- and/or anovulation (delayed onset of their first menstruation followed by irregular menses)</p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p>Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism i.e increased body hair usually on the upper lip, chin, nipple and lower abdomen; acne; and female pattern hair loss and/or elevated serum Androgens i. e. male hormones)</p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:decimal;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p>Polycystic ovaries (by pelvic ultrasound).</p></li></ol><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/wellness/2024/11/26/metro-wellness-news-november-2024-1803" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Metro Wellness Round-Up</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What causes PCOS and what are the common signs that you have it?</strong></div><p>Reproductive system abnormalities due to elevated levels of luteinizing hormones, as well as estrogen and androgens (male hormones) affecting the function of the ovaries and metabolic system abnormalities—such as poor sugar control due to insulin resistance. It is a complex disorder where numerous genetic variants and environmental factors interact and involve reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic factors. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:814px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733372742352pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938365.jpg" style="width:1000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-suffering-from-a-stomach-pain-lying-down-on-couch-5938365/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>How early on in life can one be diagnosed?</strong></div><p>One to two years after the onset of the first menstruation of a female if she has the symptoms and signs of PCOS, she can be assigned an initial diagnosis of being at risk for PCOS and her issues be addressed immediately.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What are some big lifestyle changes you have to make to take care of yourself if you have PCOS?</strong></div><p>Diet and exercise are considered the first line of treatment for overweight and obese patients. Various studies showed that a reduction of 5-10% in body weight has a marked improvement in ovulation thus pregnancy rates and even insulin sensitivity. </p><p>The obesity guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force recommend a daily caloric reduction of 500–750 kcal, which will translate into an average weight loss of 0.5–0.75 kg/week for most women.</p><p>Adults should do at least 150–300 min a week of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity as well as resistance or muscle-strengthening activities on two days or more a week.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Does PCOS cause any pain? </strong></div><p>No. Unless patients has other conditions. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:814px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733373160139pexels-cottonbro-6542724.jpg" style="width:1000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-suffering-from-a-stomach-pain-lying-down-on-bed-6542724/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Photo by cottonbro studio</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Does it affect fertility?</strong></div><p>Complications of PCOs [can include]: Infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, mood and eating disorders. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What’s the biggest misconception about PCOS?</strong></div><p>You can not lose weight if you have PCOS. You actually can lose weight if you improve your lifestyle and behavior.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Besides consulting a doctor, what are some everyday food/supplements or activities that might help?</strong></div><p>Most of your daily food intake should be natural food, mainly vegetables, fruit, fish, and a little fat and meat. Avoid intake of processed foods or drinks, food delivery and take out, and instead eat mostly home-cooked meals. Time-restricted eating may also help in avoiding snacks in between meals. </p><p>Fitness should be integral in your daily routine. Make sure as well that your mind and body has adequate rest and sleep of 6-8 hours. Each sign and symptom of PCOS has a particular treatment that your doctor can provide but you can only get better if you treat your body with better care. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/wellness/2024/11/30/metro-gift-guide-2024-gifts-you-can-give-yourself-this-holiday-season-1348" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Metro Gift Guide 2024: Gifts You Can Give Yourself This Holiday Season</a><em></em><br/></div>

<p>PCOS is growing more common these days. Here's what you need to know to arm yourself!</p>

PCOS is growing more common these days. Here's what you need to know to arm yourself!

Vagina Talks: All Our PCOS Questions, Answered by a Medical Expert

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Vagina Talks: All Our PCOS Questions, Answered by a Medical Expert

Chin Ann Obiedo

Published Dec 05, 2024 12:00 PM PHT

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Updated May 15, 2025 03:06 PM PHT

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wellness

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

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