WHAT IS PCOS?
For many people, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be nothing more than a reproductive disorder affecting a small subset of individuals. However, for women with the condition, PCOS is a persistent, life-changing disorder riddled with fears and health inequities that are becoming increasingly important as rates increase by 5%-10%. If you have recently been diagnosed, I welcome you to this page which serves as a guide for women like you seeking clarity on their condition. Even if you have not been diagnosed with PCOS, learning about it may broaden your perspective on women’s health issues.
This is a place for learning, connection and empathy for all individuals. If this is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Here we believe that every person knows their body and has the ability to heal regardless of the challenges you face.
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You may have found many definitions of PCOS riddled with complicated terminology and medical jargon making it nearly impossible to understand what you have in the first place. Let’s break it down: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder that encompasses a wide range of symptoms, including irregular menses, infertility, inflammation, insulin resistance, dysregulation of hormones, and ovarian cysts. The term “syndrome” is cleverly used as a catch-all term to represent the myriad features of the condition. Using the abbreviated chart below, it may be helpful to look at some of the broad categories of symptoms.
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Keep in mind these may not all apply to your specific circumstance, which can leave you feeling only more confused. But, the diversity within PCOS is what makes it special; there is a collection of stories and human experiences beautifully unified by one syndrome. The hope is that you find a community that can guide you through your journey, even if their stories are distinct from yours.
Despite these differences, the tell-tale sign of PCOS is the presence of cysts on both ovaries caused by a thickening of the outer membrane, making ovulation difficult. Generally, leydig cells are also overactive, meaning they secrete more testosterone and contribute to other symptoms that affect different body systems (acne, excess hair growth, etc). Now, you might be wondering, how in the world does one syndrome affect hormones, metabolism and reproduction? The answer is not quite understood, but what we do know is that all systems of the body are intimately connected in ways science is just beginning to understand. Perhaps there are epigenetic factors (environmental and genetic components) that result in complex clinical manifestations; yet, the root cause is still unknown.
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While there are Western philosophies regarding the origin of PCOS, including genetics and its relationship to the environment, there are also different perspectives based in holistic medicine. For example, holistic gynecologist Dr. Suman Tewari hypothesizes that PCOS is a reflection of hormonal imbalances caused by inflammation, perhaps from processed foods or toxins in the environment. It is also possible that our current society is not conducive to proper reproductive functioning. She explains that modern society is heavily focused on output and production, but we are human beings and we are not really “being.” Based upon Eastern philosophies, to practice femininity is to live in this stillness and respect our biological needs. Consider being pregnant– this is a time of absolute stillness, allowing a life to take form in your body without conscious effort. In her opinion, living in such stillness is often necessary for a woman’s body to function properly. If you are in a constant state of stress and movement, reproduction is the first thing your body will let go by the wayside. Women are complex beings and we have to honor that complexity.
