6 Myths About Pcos That Should Be Addressed Asap

The condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women of reproductive age. If you have PCOS, your ovaries develop tiny fluid collections that interfere with egg release. This can evolve into a persistent problem throughout adolescence or later in life. Period irregularity or absence, high androgen (male hormone), and polycystic ovaries are all signs of PCOS.

However, because the disorder is poorly understood — even by some clinicians — misconceptions can have an impact on diagnosis and therapy, eventually preventing a woman from living well with PCOS. In this article, we have gathered six myths about PCOS that should be addressed ASAP.

1. PCOS is a rare disease.

PCOS affects between 5% and 10% of women of reproductive age in the United States. This equates to around 5 million women, making the illness one of the most frequent hormonal endocrine disorders among reproductive-age women.

However, fewer than half of all women with PCOS are appropriately identified, which means that millions of people may be ignorant of their illness. According to the PCOS Foundation, this disorder is the source of reproductive problems in around 70% of women who have ovulation problems.

2. Only overweight women are affected by PCOS

Although many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, this condition also affects people with normal or low BMIs. Thin people with PCOS might easily be misdiagnosed if it is assumed that the condition mainly affects overweight women. Overweight women, on the other hand, are more likely to be misdiagnosed with PCOS when their symptoms are caused by something else.

3. PCOS patients experience the same symptoms

Depending on the particular individual, PCOS may be a very varied experience. PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, amenorrhea (missing periods), cysts on the ovaries, abnormal hair development, acne, hair loss or thinning, and the appearance of dark spots on the skin.

These symptoms are associated with PCOS, although they are not a certainty for everyone. You may only have some of these symptoms if you have PCOS. Even if you do have symptoms, they may not be visible. When compared to other people's tales, how PCOS impacts you and your life will be unique.

4. PCOS can't be treated

The trust is that women with PCOS can be treated and managed well. Weight loss through food, exercise, and lifestyle changes is critical. A 2-5% weight loss reduces testosterone (male hormone) by 21%, allowing women to resume regular ovulation. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and other psychosocial stresses all contribute to disease management.

5. Women with PCOS can easily lose weight

It is true that shedding a small bit of weight — 7% to be exact — will help control your menstrual cycle. However, it is not always simple. Many PCOS women state that they exercise more and eat less than everyone else they know, but the weight still creeps on. That's not to imply they can't lose weight; many women have previously been on a successful diet. 

What is obvious is that the notion that weight loss is just a matter of calories in against calories out is inaccurate. Weight loss for women with PCOS is more difficult. For example, women with PCOS may have altered gut flora, which can affect metabolism.

6. Birth control can cure PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for PCOS, and the birth control pill has no effect on curing, preventing, or treating PCOS or any other hormone condition. It can be useful as a symptom treatment technique, but it ultimately masks the disease. Treatment is predicated on using medicine to regulate hormone levels, however, patients with PCOS can expect to maintain their disease for the near future.