If your body has ever experienced changes that are hard to explain, such as irregular menstrual cycles, stubborn acne, unwanted facial hair, unexplained weight gain or relentless fatigue, you’re not alone. These symptoms may seem disconnected, but they could be part of a larger picture: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions in women’s health. For many, the journey to diagnosis is long, confusing and emotionally draining.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal condition in which a woman has an imbalance of hormone levels, often with increased levels of male hormones (called androgens). The name—“polycystic ovary”—can be confusing and misleading, as not everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts. Instead, this condition is associated with a combination of symptoms, which may include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles, often with a lack of ovulation
- Acne and oily skin
- Excess hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism)
- Hair thinning or loss
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Infertility
- Insulin resistance, which can increase the risk for type 2 diabetes
These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some women may experience just a few symptoms, while others struggle with many. PCOS symptoms often mimic other conditions, and symptoms are frequently dismissed as “normal” or “just stress.”
Why getting a PCOS diagnosis is so difficult
PCOS doesn’t look the same for everyone, which is why it can be hard to diagnose. In fact, studies show that up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed. Many women visit multiple providers before someone finally connects the dots.
There’s no single test for PCOS. Most healthcare providers look for a mix of signs and symptoms. To be diagnosed, you typically need to have at least two of the following:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Signs of high male hormones (like extra facial or body hair), or confirmation through blood tests
- Ovaries that show small cysts on an ultrasound
Your doctor may also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid problems or hormone imbalances. Getting a diagnosis can take time, and it often means speaking up for yourself and asking questions until you get answers. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, PCOS can increase the risk of long-term, serious health issues, like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and endometrial cancer.
The mental health impact of PCOS
Living with PCOS can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. The condition impacts your body and affects how you feel about yourself and your future.
Many people with PCOS experience:
- Mood swings and emotional ups and downs, often linked to hormonal imbalances
- Anxiety and depression, which are significantly more common in women with PCOS than in the general population
- Body image struggles, especially when dealing with symptoms like weight gain, hair loss or excess facial and body hair
- Stress and grief related to infertility, which can be one of the more emotionally difficult aspects of PCOS
These challenges are real, and they’re often overlooked. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, know that you’re not alone. Mental health support is an important part of PCOS care, and seeking help to manage your mental health can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.
Managing PCOS: No one-size-fits-all treatment
There’s no cure for PCOS, but there are ways to manage it. The right approach depends on your unique symptoms and goals. Here are some common strategies for lifestyle changes and treatments.
Lifestyle changes
- Nutrition and movement: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate insulin levels and reduce inflammation. Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can improve symptoms for many people.
- Sleep and stress management: Prioritizing rest and mental wellbeing can support hormonal balance and improve overall health. Incorporating activities like meditation, yoga, or therapy can help lower cortisol levels and improve your hormonal balance.
Medications
- Hormonal birth control: Providers often prescribe this as a starting point to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels
- Metformin: A medication that improves insulin sensitivity and may help with ovulation
- Other treatments: Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend anti-androgens, fertility treatments or mental health support.
It’s important to remember that PCOS management is not linear. What works for one person may not work for another. Your care plan should be tailored to your needs, and it may evolve over time.
Finding a provider who truly listens
One of the most empowering steps you can take is finding a provider who understands PCOS and respects your lived experience.
If you have recently been diagnosed with PCOS or you’re experiencing symptoms that point to PCOS, it’s important to find a specialist who can help ensure you receive the right care. Three types of medical doctors specialize in PCOS and its treatment:
- A gynecologist, a specialist in female reproductive health
- An endocrinologist, a specialist in hormonal disorders
- A reproductive endocrinologist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats infertility and other conditions related to the reproductive system
MediFind’s Find a Doctor tool can help you find a gynecologist, endocrinologist or reproductive endocrinologist in your area with expertise in treating PCOS. You can filter your search by location and whether a provider accepts your insurance, making it easier to find care that’s both accessible and affordable. MediFind’s Find a Doctor tool uses objective medical data about each doctor to help you easily compare physicians based on the following criteria:
- Their experience treating patients with your condition
- Their research contributions and publications related to the condition
- Referrals from other specialists
- Connections with other experts treating the same condition
Based on these criteria, providers are assigned a level of expertise (elite, distinguished, advanced or experienced) for each specific health condition they treat, so it is easy to know at a glance which doctors are experienced in PCOS.
You deserve care that truly understands your needs. Start your search today with MediFind’s Find a Doctor tool and connect with a PCOS specialist. Your path to better care starts here.
