It’s Not Just About Your Periods
Yes, irregular and absentperiodsare a classic hallmark feature of PCOS but its only one part of the condition. PCOS is a syndrome. This means it easily overlaps and intersects with other areas of the body. While PCOS does cause reproductive problems and can affect ovulation, it’s also associated with metabolic issues.
People with PCOS are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes,fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is present in as many as 70% of people with PCOS regardless of weight and is a main contributing factor to these metabolic issues.
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You May Be at Risk for a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Metformin may be used to treat PCOS. Metformin can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. A deficiency of vitamin B12 is serious as it can result in permanent neurological and nerve damage. Common symptoms in those with a vitamin B12 deficiency include mood changes, fatigue, and numbness or tingling in their arms, fingers, legs, and feet.
If you take metformin, you should supplement with vitamin B12. In addition, ask your healthcare provider to check your vitamin B12 level, which can be done with a blood test, to see if your levels are normal.
Your Milk Supply Can Be Affected
A person with PCOS could have more difficulty producing an adequate milk supply to nurse their children.Part of the reason for this could be related to the hormone imbalance of higher androgen and insulin levels, which may interfere with milk production. Another theory is that the hormone imbalance during puberty can interfere with proper development of breast tissue.
If you are currently nursing and having a difficult time, contact theLa Leche Leagueto find a lactation consultant in your area who can help you.
You May Have a Mood Disorder
As if people with PCOS don’t have enough to deal with, they are also at a higher risk for mood disorders. Anxiety,depression, and bipolar depression have been shown to be more common in people with PCOS.
Mood disorders may be more prevalent in people with PCOS due to hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, PCOS is an extremely frustrating condition. Dealing with the metabolic, reproductive, and dermatological symptoms (weight gain, hair growth, hair loss) can have a significant impact on mood.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or body image, consult with a mental health professional to help you. In addition, “The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health,” may be a helpful resource to reduce anxiety, depression, and problematic eating in people with PCOS, and could be a helpful resource.
You Can Get Pregnant
One of these advancements is the use ofletrozole, which has been shown to be more effective than Clomid for ovulation induction in people with PCOS and the dietary supplementinositol, which can aid in improving egg quality and restore menstrual cycles.
Diet and Lifestyle Approaches Are the Primary Treatment
One thing that is for sure is that diet and lifestyle are the primary treatment approaches for PCOS. A healthyeating plan, regular exercise, supplements, sufficient sleep, andstress managementall work together to improve your fertility and optimize your health.
Not sure where to start or need help? A gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist may be able to give you a referral to aregistered dietitian nutritionistwho specializes in PCOS.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Randeva HS, Tan BK, Weickert MO.Cardiometabolic aspects of the polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocr Rev. 2012;33(5):812–841. doi:10.1210/er.2012-1003Günalan E, Yaba A, Yılmaz B.The effect of nutrient supplementation in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated metabolic dysfunctions: A critical review.J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018;19(4):220–232. doi:10.4274/jtgga.2018.0077American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges. February 2021.Britz SP, Henry L.PCOS and Breastfeeding: Whats the Issue?Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2011;40. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01244_10.xGłowińska A, Zielona-Jenek M, Pawelczyk A, Banaszewska BE.Determinants of emotional problems and mood disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Ginekologia Polska. 2016;87(6):405-410. doi:10.5603/gp.2016.0016Grassi A, Mattei S.The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health. Haverford, PA: Luca Publishing; 2009.Costello MF, Misso ML, Balen A.Evidence summaries and recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: assessment and treatment of infertility.Human Reproduction Open. 2019;2019(1). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoy021Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Ryswyk EV, Norman RJ, Teede HJ, Moran LJ.Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007506.pub4
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Randeva HS, Tan BK, Weickert MO.Cardiometabolic aspects of the polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocr Rev. 2012;33(5):812–841. doi:10.1210/er.2012-1003Günalan E, Yaba A, Yılmaz B.The effect of nutrient supplementation in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated metabolic dysfunctions: A critical review.J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018;19(4):220–232. doi:10.4274/jtgga.2018.0077American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges. February 2021.Britz SP, Henry L.PCOS and Breastfeeding: Whats the Issue?Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2011;40. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01244_10.xGłowińska A, Zielona-Jenek M, Pawelczyk A, Banaszewska BE.Determinants of emotional problems and mood disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Ginekologia Polska. 2016;87(6):405-410. doi:10.5603/gp.2016.0016Grassi A, Mattei S.The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health. Haverford, PA: Luca Publishing; 2009.Costello MF, Misso ML, Balen A.Evidence summaries and recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: assessment and treatment of infertility.Human Reproduction Open. 2019;2019(1). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoy021Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Ryswyk EV, Norman RJ, Teede HJ, Moran LJ.Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007506.pub4
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Randeva HS, Tan BK, Weickert MO.Cardiometabolic aspects of the polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocr Rev. 2012;33(5):812–841. doi:10.1210/er.2012-1003Günalan E, Yaba A, Yılmaz B.The effect of nutrient supplementation in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated metabolic dysfunctions: A critical review.J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018;19(4):220–232. doi:10.4274/jtgga.2018.0077American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges. February 2021.Britz SP, Henry L.PCOS and Breastfeeding: Whats the Issue?Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2011;40. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01244_10.xGłowińska A, Zielona-Jenek M, Pawelczyk A, Banaszewska BE.Determinants of emotional problems and mood disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Ginekologia Polska. 2016;87(6):405-410. doi:10.5603/gp.2016.0016Grassi A, Mattei S.The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health. Haverford, PA: Luca Publishing; 2009.Costello MF, Misso ML, Balen A.Evidence summaries and recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: assessment and treatment of infertility.Human Reproduction Open. 2019;2019(1). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoy021Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Ryswyk EV, Norman RJ, Teede HJ, Moran LJ.Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007506.pub4
Randeva HS, Tan BK, Weickert MO.Cardiometabolic aspects of the polycystic ovary syndrome.Endocr Rev. 2012;33(5):812–841. doi:10.1210/er.2012-1003
Günalan E, Yaba A, Yılmaz B.The effect of nutrient supplementation in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated metabolic dysfunctions: A critical review.J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018;19(4):220–232. doi:10.4274/jtgga.2018.0077
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges. February 2021.
Britz SP, Henry L.PCOS and Breastfeeding: Whats the Issue?Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2011;40. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01244_10.x
Głowińska A, Zielona-Jenek M, Pawelczyk A, Banaszewska BE.Determinants of emotional problems and mood disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Ginekologia Polska. 2016;87(6):405-410. doi:10.5603/gp.2016.0016
Grassi A, Mattei S.The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health. Haverford, PA: Luca Publishing; 2009.
Costello MF, Misso ML, Balen A.Evidence summaries and recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: assessment and treatment of infertility.Human Reproduction Open. 2019;2019(1). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoy021
Lim SS, Hutchison SK, Ryswyk EV, Norman RJ, Teede HJ, Moran LJ.Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007506.pub4
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