to share information with their providers about irregular periods, acne or excessive hair growth, to allow appropriate investigations and treatments to be implemented,” Samaan notes.
What are the risks?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however, many factors might play a role:
- Excess insulin. As mentioned before, if your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin can increase androgen production, and cause you to have difficulty with ovulation.
- Low-grade inflammation. This term is used to describe white blood cells’ production of substances to fight infection. According to research, women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens. This can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.
- Heredity. Research also shows that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.
- Excess androgen. When the ovaries abnormally produce high levels of androgen, it results in hirsutism and acne.
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The importance of screening
Dr. Laurie Cohen, chief of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York City, points out that it’s a two-way street when it comes to type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.
“Individuals with PCOS are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, so [they] should be screened for these conditions, and individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus should be screened for PCOS,” she says.
Getting treatment
Treating PCOS can ease many of its symptoms, Cohen adds.
In adolescents, the first line of treatment for PCOS is usually a combined oral contraceptive pill, she shares. “If the excessive hair growth doesn’t improve, an anti-androgen medication may be added.”
When a child with PCOS is also overweight or obese, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are recommended. “Sometimes a medication called metformin is used if there is prediabetes or type 2 diabetes,” Cohen explains.
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if you have concerns or are experiencing problems with your menstrual periods, infertility or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness.