Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHormone LevelsPCOS and MenopauseOverlapping SymptomsEffect on Sex DriveManagementWork With a DietitianFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hormone Levels
PCOS and Menopause
Overlapping Symptoms
Effect on Sex Drive
Management
Work With a Dietitian
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) typically affects people of child-bearing age. Because of this, some people wonder if it stops once a person reaches menopause. The short answer is no,menopausedoes not cure PCOS. However, PCOS does manifest differently inperimenopauseand beyond.
Read on to learn how PCOS and menopause are connected, including symptoms and management.
PCOS Hormone Levels During Perimenopause
Both PCOS and perimenopause (time leading up to menopause) cause hormonal changes and imbalances. People with PCOS havehigher-than-average levels of androgens(hormones such as testosterone that typically are more abundant in people with testes, but also present in people with ovaries). This imbalance occurs with the onset of PCOS, regardless of age.
During perimenopause, everyone’s ovaries, whether they have PCOS or not, start producing fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone (hormones that are more abundant in people with ovaries than people with testes).
When people with PCOS reachperimenopause, their excess androgen levels can also begin to lower as theirovariesproduce fewer hormones overall. This can resolve some of the symptoms associated with high androgen levels.
Perimenopausal people with PCOS still tend to have higher androgen levels than perimenopausal people without PCOS.
Premenopause, Perimenopause, Menopause, and PostmenopausePremenopause: No symptoms present; considered reproductive yearsPerimenopause: Transition period to menopause when symptoms can appear and periods become irregular; typically lasts about four years, but duration can varyMenopause: Occurs at the end of perimenopause; defined as a span of 12 consecutive monthswithout a menstrual periodPostmenopause: The time after menopause
Premenopause, Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause
Premenopause: No symptoms present; considered reproductive yearsPerimenopause: Transition period to menopause when symptoms can appear and periods become irregular; typically lasts about four years, but duration can varyMenopause: Occurs at the end of perimenopause; defined as a span of 12 consecutive monthswithout a menstrual periodPostmenopause: The time after menopause
Premenopause: No symptoms present; considered reproductive years
Perimenopause: Transition period to menopause when symptoms can appear and periods become irregular; typically lasts about four years, but duration can vary
Menopause: Occurs at the end of perimenopause; defined as a span of 12 consecutive monthswithout a menstrual period
Postmenopause: The time after menopause
Facts About PCOS and Menopause
While irregular menstrual periods are common in younger people with PCOS, as people with PCOS near perimenopause, their periods may become more regular.
People with PCOS may also have a longer reproductive period,reaching menopauseabout two years after their peers without PCOS.
Some research suggests people with PCOS who experience difficulties with fertility may have increased chances of conceiving as they get older.
PCOS Continues After Menopause
PCOS is considered a lifelong condition and needs to be managed even after fertility ends.
People without PCOS go through similar changes when they reach perimenopause andmenopauseas people with PCOS. Factors associated with PCOS commonly appear during perimenopause for people who don’t have PCOS. These include:
However, people with PCOS tend to experience these changes earlier, often before perimenopause and, therefore, are exposed to these risk factors for a longer amount of time.
A Guide to PCOS and Menopause
PCOS May Increase Your Risk of CVD and Diabetes
People with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. It’s unclear whether PCOS directly causes these conditions or if they are due to common risk factors such as obesity.
Most of the research on these increased risks have focused on premenopausal and perimenopausal people. It generally supports the existence of an increased risk for metabolic andcardiovascular diseasein people with PCOS, particularly those with extra body fat.
Research on menopausal and postmenopausal people indicate that these risk factors continue (and often increase) past menopause,but the extent to which people with PCOS are at a higher risk than their non-PCOS peers has not been well-established.
This effect is not because the risks go down for people with PCOS, but rather because those without PCOS “catch up” as they age.
There may be some cases in which the risks do decline. One longitudinal study found that people with PCOS whose periods became more regular as they aged had a decrease in their LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, consider “bad” cholesterol) and had an improvement in their cardiovascular risk.
The same study found that people with PCOS who remained anovulatory (not ovulating) had increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels (a total of different “bad” cholesterol levels). Their cardiovascular risk remained significantly higher than in the general population.
PCOS is a condition, while menopause is a developmentally normal life change like puberty. But just as puberty and PCOS can have overlapping symptoms, so can PCOS and menopause.
Somesymptomsthat can occur with PCOS and/or perimenopause and menopause include:
How Does a Person With PCOS Know They Are in Perimenopause?While some symptoms of perimenopause may be present already,symptoms of perimenopausethat are not common in PCOS include:Hot flashesNight sweatsVaginal dryness/discomfort during vaginal intercourseUrinary urgency and/or incontinenceUrinary tract infectionsIf you have PCOS and are experiencing any of these along with the overlapping symptoms, you may be starting perimenopause. Symptoms vary from person to person. Speak with your healthcare provider to explore your symptoms further.
How Does a Person With PCOS Know They Are in Perimenopause?
While some symptoms of perimenopause may be present already,symptoms of perimenopausethat are not common in PCOS include:Hot flashesNight sweatsVaginal dryness/discomfort during vaginal intercourseUrinary urgency and/or incontinenceUrinary tract infectionsIf you have PCOS and are experiencing any of these along with the overlapping symptoms, you may be starting perimenopause. Symptoms vary from person to person. Speak with your healthcare provider to explore your symptoms further.
While some symptoms of perimenopause may be present already,symptoms of perimenopausethat are not common in PCOS include:
If you have PCOS and are experiencing any of these along with the overlapping symptoms, you may be starting perimenopause. Symptoms vary from person to person. Speak with your healthcare provider to explore your symptoms further.
PCOS and Menopause Effects on Sex Drive
Sex drive and function aren’t typically included in profiles of PCOS, but a small study suggests it should be. This study of 130 married people with PCOS who were experiencing infertility reported sexual dysfunction about 58% of the time. Sexual desire and arousal were listed as the main concerns.
It’s theorized this is largely due to hormonal imbalance, body image, and the increased risk of depression, along with side effects of the medications that treat PCOS. These factors can also affect menopausal people.
Menopausal peoplecan also experience changes in the vagina such as dryness that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Managing PCOS and Menopause
Both PCOS and perimenopause/menopause are managed in these two main ways:
Lifestyle
Because both PCOS and menopause come with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, CVD, and other health concerns, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is important. Ideally, don’t wait for perimenopause to begin—the earlier these habits are adopted, the better:
Menopause Diet: Foods to Support Changing Hormone Levels
Non-Medicinal Treatment for Specific Symptoms
These treatments can address symptoms:
15 Supplements for Menopause Symptoms
Medication
If symptoms of PCOS and/or menopause can’t be managed through lifestyle alone, medication may be an option.
PCOS
Medications include:
Menopause
If medication is used for menopause, it is typically hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy:
Other Medications for PCOS and MenopauseMedications that treat conditions associated with PCOS and/or menopause may also be prescribed, such as:AntidepressantsBlood pressure medicationDiabetic medicationAnti-androgen medicationCholesterol medication
Other Medications for PCOS and Menopause
Medications that treat conditions associated with PCOS and/or menopause may also be prescribed, such as:AntidepressantsBlood pressure medicationDiabetic medicationAnti-androgen medicationCholesterol medication
Medications that treat conditions associated with PCOS and/or menopause may also be prescribed, such as:
Reasons to Work With a Dietitian
Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you is important both for people with PCOS and for people who are menopausal.
PCOS canmake weight loss difficult, largely because of the associated insulin resistance. Menopausal people may also find losing weight more difficult than it used to be. This can be discouraging.
PCOS can cause strong cravings, particularly for sugar. Older people with PCOS who have struggled with food management over their lifetime may also havedisordered eatingpractices to face.
A dietitian who is knowledgeable about PCOS, menopause, and how they interact can be beneficial to breaking down these barriers to weight management and healthy eating.
Summary
PCOS changes its manifestation but does not go away after menopause. People with PCOS continue to have an increased risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause overlap with PCOS.
Both PCOS and menopause can often be managed with lifestyle habits. If lifestyle alone isn’t enough to offer relief, medications are available.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsPCOS is a hormonal disorder, while menopause is a life stage. PCOS usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood, while perimenopause typically begins after age 40 and menopause occursaround age 50.Lifestyle habits can make a big impact on PCOS symptoms. Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you,eating a healthy diet, getting lots of exercise, and sleeping well are ways to treat PCOS naturally.Some symptoms of PCOS and menopause overlap and can occur at the same time. The same is true for risk factors such asdiabetesand CVD. These risks increase in most menopausal people but tend to be higher in those with PCOS.People with PCOS experience the same symptoms and effects of menopause that those without PCOS do, but they need to be more mindful of elevated risks for conditions such as diabetes andheart disease.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder, while menopause is a life stage. PCOS usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood, while perimenopause typically begins after age 40 and menopause occursaround age 50.
Lifestyle habits can make a big impact on PCOS symptoms. Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you,eating a healthy diet, getting lots of exercise, and sleeping well are ways to treat PCOS naturally.
Some symptoms of PCOS and menopause overlap and can occur at the same time. The same is true for risk factors such asdiabetesand CVD. These risks increase in most menopausal people but tend to be higher in those with PCOS.
People with PCOS experience the same symptoms and effects of menopause that those without PCOS do, but they need to be more mindful of elevated risks for conditions such as diabetes andheart disease.
14 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Cleveland Clinic.Perimenopause.Lenart-Lipińska M, Matyjaszek-Matuszek B, Woźniakowska E, Solski J, Tarach JS, Paszkowski T.Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical implication in perimenopause.Prz Menopauzalny. 2014;13(6):348-351. doi:10.5114/pm.2014.47988UpToDate.Patient education: menopause (beyond the basics).Minooee S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Rahmati M, Mansournia MA, Azizi F.Prediction of age at menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Climacteric. 2018;21(1):29-34. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1392501Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB.Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives.Int J Womens Health. 2015;7:745-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70314Welt CK, Carmina E.Lifecycle of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): from in utero to menopause.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013;98(12):4629-4638. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2375Cedars-Sinai.Surprising study find PCOS does not cause diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.Shah D, Bansal S.Polycystic ovaries - beyond menopause.Climacteric. 2014;17(2):109-115. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.828687The Gynae Centre.5 things you didn’t know about PCOS and menopause.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.Eftekhar T, Sohrabvand F, Zabandan N, Shariat M, Haghollahi F, Ghahghaei-Nezamabadi A.Sexual dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its affected domains.Iran J Reprod Med. 2014;12(8):539-546.Today’s Dietitian.PCOS in aging women — beyond hormones and hot flashes.PCOS Society (India).Consensus statement on the use of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovarian syndrome women in India.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2018;11(2):96‐118. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_72_18
14 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Cleveland Clinic.Perimenopause.Lenart-Lipińska M, Matyjaszek-Matuszek B, Woźniakowska E, Solski J, Tarach JS, Paszkowski T.Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical implication in perimenopause.Prz Menopauzalny. 2014;13(6):348-351. doi:10.5114/pm.2014.47988UpToDate.Patient education: menopause (beyond the basics).Minooee S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Rahmati M, Mansournia MA, Azizi F.Prediction of age at menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Climacteric. 2018;21(1):29-34. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1392501Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB.Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives.Int J Womens Health. 2015;7:745-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70314Welt CK, Carmina E.Lifecycle of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): from in utero to menopause.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013;98(12):4629-4638. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2375Cedars-Sinai.Surprising study find PCOS does not cause diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.Shah D, Bansal S.Polycystic ovaries - beyond menopause.Climacteric. 2014;17(2):109-115. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.828687The Gynae Centre.5 things you didn’t know about PCOS and menopause.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.Eftekhar T, Sohrabvand F, Zabandan N, Shariat M, Haghollahi F, Ghahghaei-Nezamabadi A.Sexual dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its affected domains.Iran J Reprod Med. 2014;12(8):539-546.Today’s Dietitian.PCOS in aging women — beyond hormones and hot flashes.PCOS Society (India).Consensus statement on the use of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovarian syndrome women in India.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2018;11(2):96‐118. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_72_18
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.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Cleveland Clinic.Perimenopause.Lenart-Lipińska M, Matyjaszek-Matuszek B, Woźniakowska E, Solski J, Tarach JS, Paszkowski T.Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical implication in perimenopause.Prz Menopauzalny. 2014;13(6):348-351. doi:10.5114/pm.2014.47988UpToDate.Patient education: menopause (beyond the basics).Minooee S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Rahmati M, Mansournia MA, Azizi F.Prediction of age at menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Climacteric. 2018;21(1):29-34. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1392501Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB.Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives.Int J Womens Health. 2015;7:745-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70314Welt CK, Carmina E.Lifecycle of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): from in utero to menopause.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013;98(12):4629-4638. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2375Cedars-Sinai.Surprising study find PCOS does not cause diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.Shah D, Bansal S.Polycystic ovaries - beyond menopause.Climacteric. 2014;17(2):109-115. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.828687The Gynae Centre.5 things you didn’t know about PCOS and menopause.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.Eftekhar T, Sohrabvand F, Zabandan N, Shariat M, Haghollahi F, Ghahghaei-Nezamabadi A.Sexual dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its affected domains.Iran J Reprod Med. 2014;12(8):539-546.Today’s Dietitian.PCOS in aging women — beyond hormones and hot flashes.PCOS Society (India).Consensus statement on the use of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovarian syndrome women in India.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2018;11(2):96‐118. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_72_18
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Cleveland Clinic.Perimenopause.
Lenart-Lipińska M, Matyjaszek-Matuszek B, Woźniakowska E, Solski J, Tarach JS, Paszkowski T.Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical implication in perimenopause.Prz Menopauzalny. 2014;13(6):348-351. doi:10.5114/pm.2014.47988
UpToDate.Patient education: menopause (beyond the basics).
Minooee S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Rahmati M, Mansournia MA, Azizi F.Prediction of age at menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Climacteric. 2018;21(1):29-34. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1392501
Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB.Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives.Int J Womens Health. 2015;7:745-763. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70314
Welt CK, Carmina E.Lifecycle of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): from in utero to menopause.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013;98(12):4629-4638. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2375
Cedars-Sinai.Surprising study find PCOS does not cause diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
Shah D, Bansal S.Polycystic ovaries - beyond menopause.Climacteric. 2014;17(2):109-115. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.828687
The Gynae Centre.5 things you didn’t know about PCOS and menopause.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.
Eftekhar T, Sohrabvand F, Zabandan N, Shariat M, Haghollahi F, Ghahghaei-Nezamabadi A.Sexual dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its affected domains.Iran J Reprod Med. 2014;12(8):539-546.
Today’s Dietitian.PCOS in aging women — beyond hormones and hot flashes.
PCOS Society (India).Consensus statement on the use of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovarian syndrome women in India.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2018;11(2):96‐118. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_72_18
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