PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6% to 12% (as many as 5 million) of US women of reproductive age. But it’s a lot more than that. This lifelong health condition continues far beyond the child-bearing years.
The CDC says that women with PCOS are often insulin resistant; their bodies can make insulin but can’t use it effectively, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. They also have higher levels of androgens (male hormones that females also have), which can stop eggs from being released (ovulation) and cause irregular periods, acne, thinning scalp hair, and excess hair growth on the face and body.
Although the exact causes aren’t known at this time, androgen levels that are higher than normal play an important part. Excess weight and family history—which are in turn related to insulin resistance—can also contribute.
This speaks to the tough journey that Keke and her family have been on when trying to get a clear diagnosis from doctors.
Former “Glee” actress Lea Michele also shared last year that she experienced similar issues with acne and also weight gain that led to a diagnosis of PCOS.
“There are way more extreme versions of PCOS that women have a lot of difficulty with — mine is not as intense,” she said. “Which is why I haven’t really talked about it, because there are women who have it so much more intense.”
The main treatment is birth control pills, which can fix many of the issues related to PCOS, according to experts. Oral contraceptives can also help regulate irregular periods and clear up acne by reducing testosterone levels.
To find out more about PCOS and treatment options, visit the PCOS Awareness Association at https://www.pcosaa.org/.