What is PCOS?
For today’s blog post, we are discussing another type of specialty that we see at Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, falls under the umbrella of women’s health, but what does being diagnosed with PCOS really mean? When first diagnosed with PCOS, the amount of conflicting information can feel overwhelming. It can be hard for someone to find adequate resources and the help that they deserve. We are here to debunk the myths surrounding PCOS and help you separate fact from fiction.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a metabolic endocrine disorder that we believe affects up to 15% of people assigned female at birth [1]. However, this number could be higher because it can take many years to officially get the PCOS diagnosis. When we think of PCOS, we usually jump to fertility. PCOS is the leading cause of fertility issues [2], which is why many people are diagnosed once they have a harder time conceiving. While it does impact fertility, it is important to note that PCOS does affect other parts of the body as well. This is why regardless of your fertility status or stage in life, you deserve proper care and guidance when it comes to your diagnosis.
PCOS Diagnostic Criteria
PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria [1]. In order to have the official diagnosis, you must meet 2 of the 3 following criteria:
Irregular periods or anovulation
Elevated androgen levels shown through dysregulation with hormone levels.
At least 12 cysts (follicles) develop in your ovaries. The normal range is 6-10 follicles.
As you can see from these diagnostic criteria, it is possible to be diagnosed with PCOS without having cysts on your ovaries. The only way to know if you have an elevated amount of cysts is through a transvaginal ultrasound performed by a medical professional [1].
More than Fertility
There are many reasons to treat the symptoms of PCOS that have little to do with fertility. PCOS does not have a cure, but you can improve your quality of life drastically by addressing the symptoms of the disorder. Other conditions that are associated with PCOS are [3]:
Type 2 Diabetes (4x more likely to develop than the general population)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Sleep apnea
Cardiovascular disease
Mood disorders
Eating disorders (6x more likely to develop than the general population) [4]
Treatment
At Collaborative Counseling and Nutrition, we like to use a whole-body approach to manage your PCOS symptoms. We will not recommend eliminating whole food groups or forcing yourself to exercise for countless hours per day. We use an individualized treatment plan that encompasses nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and supplements. We can work with your other healthcare providers to ensure that we are looking at your whole self, rather than just one number.
If you have recently been diagnosed with PCOS or have been battling with the disorder for years, you deserve proper care. We would love to help you manage your symptoms and help improve your daily life. We would love to work with you!
This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you believe you have an eating disorder or would like to talk to a team member about dietetic or therapeutic services, please fill out the contact form and someone will get back to you within 72 hours.
Sources Used:
[1] Azziz, R. (2006). Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: The Rotterdam Criteria Are Premature. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(3), 781-785. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-2153
[2] Hudeek, R., & Krajoviov, R. (2012). Embryoprotective Therapy of Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. doi:10.5772/26924 Kim, J. J., Hwang, K. R., Chae, S. J., Yoon, S. H., & Choi, Y. M. (2020). Impact of the newly recommended antral follicle count cutoff for polycystic ovary in adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction, 35(3), 652–659. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaa012 Krug, I
[3] Kshetrimayum, C., Sharma, A., Mishra, V. V., & Kumar, S. (2019). Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Environmental/occupational, lifestyle factors; an overview. Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association, 20(4), 255-263. doi:10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2019.2018.0142
[4] Tay, C. T., Teede, H. J., Hill, B., Loxton, D., & Joham, A. E. (2019). Increased prevalence of eating disorders, low self-esteem, and psychological distress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a community-based cohort study. Fertility and Sterility, 112(2), 353–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.027
Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition is an outpatient nutrition and body image counseling center, with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, that provides compassionate, holistic eating disorder treatment. Through practicing mindfulness, intuition, and Health At Every Size, we are on a mission to help you find a true state of well-being! We take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach with all our clients and work to help guide you towards a way of healthy living designed by you, just for you! This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you are looking for a registered dietitian or therapist to assist you on your recovery journey, please reach out today!
