If your spouse or partner haspolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there are many things you can do to be supportive. You can work together on making the lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition, for example. It is also important for you to understand the condition and what your partner is feeling.
PCOS is neither a fatal nor inherently dangerous disease, and the vast majority of people with the condition do just fine. That said, there are challenges in living with a person who has PCOS.
PCOS can cause annoying symptoms, and management can be tedious. Having a loving partner to provide support can make a wonderful difference in how the person manages these symptoms today and their long-term outlook.
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Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which a person with ovaries secretes extra androgen hormones. This excess in androgens can cause the ovaries to produce too many immature egg follicles each month. These are the “polycystic ovaries” responsible for the name of the condition. Excess androgens are also responsible for many of the other symptoms of the condition.
In a normal menstrual cycle, hormonal changes result in the maturation and release of an egg during each cycle. Due to the excess androgens, the follicles in an ovary don’t mature fully and aren’t released. This leads to the development of small ovarian cysts, which can be seen on ultrasound.
Sinceovulation often fails to occur, the shedding of the uterine lining (the menstrual period) often fails to occur as well. This leads to the common symptoms of irregular periods, and often, infertility.
Researchers aren’t certain exactly whatcauses the excess androgensresponsible for the clinical symptoms of PCOS. It appears there may be some genetic component, and it can run in families. Theories include an excess of insulin (due to insulin resistance) leading to increased production of androgens, or low-grade inflammation in the ovaries also leading to increased production of androgens.
At least1 in 10people with ovaries have PCOS.While it can be scary to hear that your partner has a medical condition, please know that people can live a full, healthy life if their PCOS is well managed.
It’s important as the partner of a person with PCOS to realize that they did nothing to cause the condition. Instead, the person needs your support to cope with a condition that far too many people develop for unknown reasons.
Symptoms of PCOS
People with PCOS tend to have symptoms related to the elevated androgen levels and the effect these hormones have on various tissues in the body.
Common symptoms include:
Many people have only a few of these symptoms, which can create difficulty in making the diagnosis.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Diagnosis
Your partner may be frustrated if they were only recently been diagnosed with PCOS, and you may be wondering how this could happen. It is estimated that as many as 75 percent of people with PCOS may be undiagnosed due to the variability of symptoms and lack of provider knowledge.
The reason behind this is that symptoms such as irregular periods and acne are common in the teen and early adulthood years. In addition, the use of birth control pills (one of the treatments used for PCOS) can conceal the symptoms as well.
Several factors are evaluated in order to make adiagnosis of PCOS. When a healthcare takes a history and does a physical exam they may hear or see some of the signs.Lab tests to diagnose PCOSmay reveal increased androgens as well as an increased level of luteinizing hormone (LH). Thetransvaginal ultrasound criteria for PCOSare also important in interpreting signs found on ultrasound.
Management of PCOS
The specific therapies used for PCOS will depend on a number of factors, such as the extent of symptoms and a person’s desire to either become pregnant or avoid pregnancy.
Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential, as are regular visits with a healthcare provider. Part of the annual checkup should include blood glucose testing (for diabetes), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Early intervention is the key to treating and preventing these complications.
During a normal menstrual cycle, the endometrium is exposed to hormones, like estrogen, which cause the lining to proliferate and thicken. When ovulation does not occur (which is typical in PCOS), the lining is not shed and is exposed to much higher amounts of estrogen. In time, this can cause thickening of the endometrium and may predispose a person to develop endometrial (uterine) cancer (see below).
PCOS Diet: What to Eat to Manage Symptoms
Medications and Treatments for PCOS
Several medications may be used to control symptoms, such as birth control pills and other hormones. Metformin is a medication that is used to address insulin resistance but may help regulate menstrual cycles and help with weight control as well.Inositolis a supplement that offers promise for people with PCOS.
Excess facial hair can be troublesome for people with PCOS. Different hair removal options may be tried, or the medicationProscar/Propecia (finasteride)may help to reduce unwanted hair growth.
Obesity can be a double-edged sword as the condition may contribute to obesity while excess weight can worsen the condition. Considerable research has been done on weight loss and PCOS. One review of 14 studies concluded that weight management strategies for the general population should be applied for people with PCOS.
How PCOS Is Treated
Infertility Related to PCOS
Unfortunately, infertility is a common issue associated with PCOS, simply because the disease causes irregular ovulation.
Without the release of an egg, there is nothing to join with the sperm, and pregnancy cannot occur. Therefore, if your partner isn’t ovulating regularly, they may have difficulty figuring out the timing of vaginal sex or insemination for conception to occur.
The good news is that pregnancy is not impossible with PCOS. While it can be a challenge, there are a number of treatments available. You may need to seek the assistance of a fertility expert or reproductive endocrinologist.
There are oral medications, injectable drugs, and IVF as options. These treatments are successful for the majority of couples.
Complications and Long-Term Concerns Related to PCOS
People with this syndrome have a greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease (metabolic syndrome).All of these are treatable or preventable, but they will need to make certain lifestyle changes.
People with PCOS do have a slightly higher chance of developing endometrial cancer than those without PCOS.The moreirregular and fewer periodsa person has, the greater their risk becomes.
Sleep apnea is also a fairly common condition among people with PCOS, and partners are in an ideal position to recognize some of the symptoms.
Supporting Your Loved One With PCOS
You can do many things to be supportive of your partner with PCOS:
Summary
PCOS is a common condition that may cause symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and abnormal hair growth. It can often be managed with therapies like birth control pills. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise can also help.
7 Sources
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De Frene V, Verhofstadt L, Loeys T, et al.Sexual and relational satisfaction in couples where the woman has polycystic ovary syndrome: a dyadic analysis.Hum Reprod. 2015;30(3):625-31. doi:10.1093/humrep/deu342Hadjiconstantinou M, Mani H, Patel N, et al.Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(5):323-330. doi:10.1530/ec-17-0053Rowlands I, Teede H, Lucke J, Dobson A, Mishra G.Young women’s psychological distress after a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis.Hum Reprod. 2016;31(9):2072-81. doi:10.1093/humrep/dew174Stapinska-Syniec A, Grabowska K, Szpotanska-Sikorska A, Pietrzak B.Depression, sexual satisfaction, and other psychological issues in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;16:1-4. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1427713
De Frene V, Verhofstadt L, Loeys T, et al.Sexual and relational satisfaction in couples where the woman has polycystic ovary syndrome: a dyadic analysis.Hum Reprod. 2015;30(3):625-31. doi:10.1093/humrep/deu342
Hadjiconstantinou M, Mani H, Patel N, et al.Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample.Endocr Connect. 2017;6(5):323-330. doi:10.1530/ec-17-0053
Rowlands I, Teede H, Lucke J, Dobson A, Mishra G.Young women’s psychological distress after a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis.Hum Reprod. 2016;31(9):2072-81. doi:10.1093/humrep/dew174
Stapinska-Syniec A, Grabowska K, Szpotanska-Sikorska A, Pietrzak B.Depression, sexual satisfaction, and other psychological issues in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;16:1-4. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1427713
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