CMO Message: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Did you know that the leading cause of female infertility goes undiagnosed in 70% of women?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition where complex hormonal imbalances have profound effects on women’s reproductive and metabolic health. The condition can start as early as adolescence and often goes on for decades before being addressed. This needs to change.

The hormonal imbalances of PCOS lead to missed menstrual periods, infertility, and a wide range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms could be frustrating such as weight gain, overgrowth of facial hair, or acne. Other consequences of undiagnosed PCOS could be deadly. Women with PCOS are 7 times more likely to have a heart attack and have 3 times higher risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to women without the condition. PCOS doesn’t just affect the body. It also has a big impact on mental health and many women with PCOS develop anxiety, depression, poor body image, and eating disorders.

While irregular periods and difficulty losing weight might seem like normal everyday life for women, these could be signs of PCOS. Unlike other health conditions like diabetes, there is no singular test that is used to screen regularly for PCOS. The only way to get diagnosed is to first talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. There is no one-size-fits-all to managing PCOS and your provider can work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your symptoms and health goals.

You're invited to a 30-minute interactive session with CMO Dr. Rosemary Ku on Thursday, October 17th at 10 a.m. to learn more about the signs of PCOS, diagnosis, and management strategies.