PCOS Awareness: Making Sense of a Complex but Common Condition

Across the country, more women are becoming empowered to take charge of their health. With increased access to care, new research, and more open conversations around women's wellness, we’re finally seeing long-overdue attention given to issues that impact half the population. But while progress is being made, many conditions that affect women daily are still misunderstood or overlooked. One of the most common among them is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, better known as PCOS.

At Greater Regional Health, we believe that better care starts with better understanding. As we recognize PCOS Awareness Month this September, we want to shine a light on a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women yet often goes undiagnosed for years.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormone-related condition that can affect many parts of a woman’s body, not just her ovaries. It’s one of the leading causes of infertility, yet its symptoms can vary widely, making it difficult to identify early. Some women discover they have PCOS only when they begin trying to get pregnant, while others may struggle for years with symptoms like irregular periods, hair loss, or unexplained weight changes without ever getting answers.

Hormones are responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and many other essential functions in the body. When these hormones fall out of balance, PCOS can develop.

Hormones Most Commonly Affected by PCOS:

• Insulin: Helps control blood sugar. In PCOS, insulin resistance is common, which can lead to higher insulin levels and an increase in male hormones.

• Androgens: Often referred to as "male hormones," androgens in high levels can interfere with ovulation and cause symptoms like acne and excess facial hair.

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Prepares your ovaries to release an egg.

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers the actual release of the egg during ovulation.

• Progesterone: Often low in women with PCOS, which can lead to missed or irregular periods.

• Estrogen: May become too high, further disrupting the hormonal balance.

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Although the term “polycystic” refers to ovarian cysts, not every woman with PCOS has them. In fact, the condition can show up in several different ways.

The Four Types of PCOS

Not all PCOS is the same. Here's a simple breakdown of the different types:

• Type D (Non-hyperandrogenic PCOS): You have ovulation problems and ovarian cysts, but your androgen levels are normal.

• Type C (Ovulatory PCOS): You have high androgens and cysts, but you still ovulate regularly.

• Type B (Non-PCO PCOS): You have high androgens and trouble ovulating, but no ovarian cysts.

• Type A (Full-blown PCOS): This includes all three traits high androgens, ovulation problems, and ovarian cysts.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Because PCOS can show up in different ways, symptoms vary. The most common ones include:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Hair thinning or hair loss (especially on the scalp)

• Oily skin or persistent acne

• Skin tags

• Excess facial or body hair

• Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain

• Mood changes or anxiety

• Ovarian cysts

It’s important to remember that you can have PCOS even if you don’t have all of these symptoms or even any of them. That’s one of the reasons why diagnosis can take time.

What Causes PCOS?

While there is no single known cause, some factors may increase your risk of developing PCOS:

• Insulin resistance

• Being overweight or gaining weight quickly

• High levels of androgens

• A family history of PCOS or menstrual problems

• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

What Can PCOS Lead To?

Left unmanaged, PCOS can contribute to a range of health challenges, such as:

• Fertility struggles

• Higher-risk pregnancies

• Metabolic issues and insulin resistance

• Anxiety or depression

• Sleep problems

• Liver inflammation

• A slightly increased risk of endometrial cancer

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Because PCOS doesn't show up the same way for every woman, there’s no one test that confirms it. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:

• Blood work to check hormone levels

• Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound

• Medical history and symptom review

• Physical exams

• Blood pressure and glucose testing

• Screenings for mental health and sleep disorders

Treatment and Management Options

There’s no cure for PCOS, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Treatment plans are usually tailored to each woman’s goals and symptoms, and may include:

• Hormonal birth control

• Progestin therapy

• Medications to improve insulin sensitivity

• Medications to promote ovulation

• Androgen-blocking treatments

• Acne or skin care medications

• Nutrition and lifestyle changes

• Weight management programs

• Regular physical activity

• Lower sugar and refined carbohydrate intake

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With support, many women are able to improve their symptoms, support their fertility, and find better balance in their hormonal health.

Care That Meets You Where You Are

Here at Greater Regional Health, our team works to ensure every patient feels heard, respected, and informed, especially when it comes to complex conditions like PCOS. Our gynecology department includes two experienced providers, Dr. Charles Cunningham and Dr. Danielle Valentine, who are well-versed in diagnosing and treating PCOS and similar reproductive health conditions. They take a patient first approach that focuses on your unique body and your personal goals.

If you're dealing with symptoms you don't understand or struggling with irregular cycles, acne, hair loss, or fertility concerns, now is a great time to schedule a visit. You deserve answers and support.

Let Greater Regional help you better understand your health. Make an appointment today with one of our experienced gynecology providers!

Credits:

Altomara D. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Internet Brands. Retrieved July 29, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-pcos