PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What is PCOS (PMOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of the endocrine system — the system of glands that produce hormones that regulate your body’s functions. New scientific data suggests that a more accurate name would be polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This article will discuss PCOS and the thinking behind the name change.

What is PCOS and how does it develop?

As we mentioned earlier, PCOS refers to an imbalance in your body’s hormonal system. However, we don’t know what exactly ‘jumpstarts’ this imbalance.

So far, science has focused on the connection to the ovaries. Here’s why: PCOS often develops between puberty and menopause. This is the time when your ovaries are most active. Hence the name, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Your ovaries contain many follicles, which represent immature eggs. By the time you reach puberty, your ovaries contain about 40,000 follicles. These follicles have two main cell layers involved in hormone production: theca cells and granulosa cells.

Theca cells produce androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovary during the middle of the menstrual cycle,

These androgens then move to the granulosa cells, where they are converted into estrogen, helping with follicle maturation and ovulation.

An enzyme called aromatase, found in the ovaries and fat cells, converts androgens into estrogen. Insulin, cortisol, and inflammatory cytokines can stimulate the activity of aromatase.

Problems in these cells are thought to be the main cause of PCOS

Why the name change from PCOS to PMOS?

Science now better understands this condition. We now know that PCOS has an effect on your whole endocrine system, not just your ovaries. To reflect that improved understanding, the name is changing to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Let’s take a deeper dive into the new name.

How does PCOS affect your hormones?

PCOS (PMOS) causes the body to produce high levels of androgens (i.e., “male hormones”). Everyone has some androgens, but these levels tend to be lower in women. This hormonal imbalance prevents the proper maturation of eggs. In healthy ovaries, eggs are developed and released by the follicles. The empty follicles then dissolve and are reabsorbed into the ovary. With PCOS, the immature follicles cannot dissolve and instead develop into small fluid-filled cysts.

Gynecologists, such as Dr. Aliabadi, who specialize in reproductive endocrinology, study the connection between hormonal imbalances and fertility. She calls PCOS the “silent epidemic” and goes on to say that it “is the leading cause of infertility, and yet patients are not being diagnosed in time.”

Who is at risk of PCOS?

Since we are not sure how the imbalance gets started, it’s a bit of a mystery. Here’s what we do know:

• A family history of PCOS increases your own risk.
• Obesity and PCOS go hand-in-hand: overweight people seem to be at higher risk, and obesity is a symptom of PCOS. Being overweight can also worsen PCOS symptoms.
• There is no difference in risk for women of different ethnic backgrounds.
• It can start at any age after puberty. 

The World Health Organization estimates that PCOS affects an estimated 8% to 13% of women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44). Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s when they see their healthcare provider about trouble getting pregnant.ve PCOS, you’re at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Patients with PCOS symptoms typically experience:

• Unpredictable and or irregular periods – menstrual periods may be absent, infrequent, or occur too often.
• Several small ovarian cysts.
• Severe acne or acne that doesn’t respond to treatment.
• Oily skin.
• Acanthosis nigricans – abnormal patches of skin that appear dark and velvety.
• Skin tags – small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area.
• Hirsutism – abnormal hair growth on the chest, face, upper thighs, and abdomen.
• Male-pattern hair loss or baldness.
• Severe weight gain affects about 80% of women with PCOS.
• Infertility – PCOS also increases the risk of preterm delivery, cesarean section delivery, and miscarriage.
• Depression and anxiety.

If you’re overweight and have PCOS, you’re at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your OB/GYN. Keep a record of your symptoms, and be sure to ask any questions you may have.

Women with PCOS may also experience pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or pre-eclampsia.

How do gynecologists diagnose PCOS?

There is no single test to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To help diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes of your symptoms, Dr. Aliabadi will review your medical history and do a physical exam with tests:

Long-term health risks of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)

Women with PMOS often have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies can’t lower blood sugar levels correctly. Also, patients with PMOS often have higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These factors contribute to your risk of serious illness and complications.

Research shows that patients with PMOS have an increased risk of developing:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus – insulin resistance can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and, over time, increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• High cholesterol.
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease).
• Metabolic syndrome.
• Endometrial cancer – irregular or absent menstrual cycles can increase your risk of endometrial hyperplasia: this is where the lining of your uterus (endometrium) becomes too thick. This, in turn, can lead to endometrial cancer.
• Women with PCOS may also experience pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or pre-eclampsia.
• Mental health issues. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. There’s no need to try to cope alone; support groups are available to help you. Click here to learn more about PCOS support groups.

Living with a chronic condition like PCOS can take a toll on your life. Dr. Aliabadi is deeply passionate about helping women manage and overcome the challenges of PCOS. With her extensive expertise and compassionate approach, she has helped countless patients achieve better health and well-being.

What are some PCOS / PMOS treatments?

If you are diagnosed with PMOS, Dr. Aliabadi will recommend a course of treatment based on your symptoms, your medical history, and your desire to become pregnant in the future. While PMOS cannot be cured, a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes can lessen symptoms.

With advances in fertility care, patients with PMOS can carry healthy, full-term pregnancies.

Here are some of the treatments available.

If you’re experiencing excessive acne due to PCOS, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe creams or treatments to reduce acne or improve its appearance.

Are there any supplements that may help PCOS sufferers?

As one of the leading medical experts in PCOS, Dr. Aliabadi was frustrated with the roadblocks to diagnosis and quality care. She wanted more for her patients, including an opportunity to take control of their health. So, she set out to create a comprehensive solution targeting women’s health.

The result is Ovii.

Ovii is an alternative that helps women manage their symptoms. It was formulated as a once daily nutritional supplement targeting women’s health beyond the standard. It is an effective way forward for women seeking a science-backed, doctor-approved supplement.

Learn more about Ovii here.

Make an appointment with Dr. Aliabadi, the best PCOS doctor near me

Don’t let PCOS define your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aliabadi and receive personalized expert care. The consultation is a thorough, customized process that involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms, along with diagnostic testing. Dr. Aliabadi (also known as “Dr. A” to her patients) collaborates with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique health needs, fertility goals, and long-term wellness, ensuring ongoing support and adjustments as needed.

As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi in Beverly Hills offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm and professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women throughout all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.

Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.

Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques, which promise her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and minimal interruption to their daily lives.

We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700 for general inquiries.

Dr. Thais Aliabadi is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Her practice is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.