What is PCOS?
PCOS has gone through many definitions since it was discovered in the early 1930s. You may have heard one or many of them over the years. We know that androgen excess is key, but how important are polycystic ovaries (what the syndrome was actually named for)? What about ovulatory issues? Can you have some without the others? Is the condition one specific thing, or an umbrella term that can cover a lot of ground?
This post will include Phenotype explanations, PCOS diagnosis, symptoms, myths, and treatment options!
The most up to date explanation of PCOS described it as 4 different categories that cover a broad range of possibilities. These categories are called phenotypes, and it can be helpful to know which one you fit in, if you’ve been diagnosed:
Phenotype A
Hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries
Phenotype B
Hyperandrogegism and ovulatory disfunction without the polycystic ovaries
Phenotype C
Hyperandrogegism and polycystic ovaries without any issues ovulating
Phenotype D
No issues with hyper androgens at all, and just polycystic ovaries and ovulatory issues
One thing that’s been consistent about PCOS, though, is hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenism is when a woman experiences an excess level of androgens (which are certain sex hormones like DHEAS or testosterone) and we aren’t able to find another cause for this excess. There are other conditions that can cause high levels of androgens — like having too much prolactin (called hyperprolactinemia), adrenal hyperplasia (which is often a genetic condition), thyroid disease, etc. But when an identifiable cause can’t be located, it often finds its way under the umbrella term PCOS.
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