In CS, signs of hypercortisolism predominate, while in PCOS, signs of hyperandrogenism predominate the clinical situation. Among the clinical findings, hirsutism, obesity, acne, alopecia, striae, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, and depression are findings that are common to CS and PCOS.
Abstract. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women. During the reproductive years, women with PCOS seek medical attention related to infertility, hirsutism, and acne.
PCOS is also linked to increased risk for several known autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. However, it is not currently categorized as an autoimmune disease but is considered a disease of the endocrine system.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance problem that can interfere with normal ovulation. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another cause of ovulation problems. POI occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she is 40.
THERE ARE 4 TYPES OF PCOS. In this section, we will cover different types of PCOS and what kind of PCOS do you have. There are four types of PCOS: Insulin-resistant PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, Hidden-cause PCOS, and Pill-induced PCOS.
Like any other syndrome, PCOS can involve a variety of different symptoms. One of the more common ones is abdominal weight gain, which is often referred to as the “PCOS belly.” A PCOS belly is the result of PCOS-related weight gain and may be caused by different factors.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common thyroid disease which is frequently observed in young women (2, 3). Both PCOS and HT can induce the occurrence of related endocrine and metabolic diseases, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors (4–6).
People with PCOS may be at increased risk of developing lupus and other autoimmune diseases. This article explores the potential link between PCOS and lupus and provides tips on living with the two conditions. We also discuss some other diseases associated with PCOS and offer advice on when to contact a doctor.
Will SSA Approve My Claim If I Have PCOS? As mentioned, PCOS syndrome alone is not a qualifying condition for disability claims.
To diagnose PCOS, an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders, conducts a physical exam. He or she checks you for increased body and facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, and other symptoms of increased androgen levels.
Unusual PCOS Signs
Unwanted hair growth, known as hirsutism, on areas where men normally grow hair such as the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen. Hirsutism is the result of hormonal changes in androgens. Mood changes such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
The differential diagnosis of PCOS includes both endocrine and malignant causes. All conditions that mimic PCOS must be ruled out before a diagnosis of PCOS is confirmed. Congenital disorders of adrenal steroid metabolism or action – e.g. Glucocorticoid resistance, DHEA sulfotransferase deficiency, etc.
Common triggers include:
Being out in the sun or having close exposure to fluorescent or halogen light. Infection. Injury. Stopping your lupus medicines.
Insulin resistance (IR) is common in PCOS and linked to increased adiposity and metabolic syndrome (MS) development. IR is independent of body mass excess yet exacerbated by overweight and obesity. Evidence indicates that MS is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Although the hormonal symptoms of PCOS do not overlap with the common signs and symptoms of MS, they do both lead to inflammation, which is typically low-grade in PCOS. Researchers have found that MS and PCOS also share long-term health complications in women of child-bearing age.
Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, can be linked to PCOS. Many studies show that these two conditions share some of the same symptoms, but most experts say that they are separate health issues.
TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and is produced by the thyroid, a gland found in the neck. Women with PCOS usually have normal TSH levels (0.4-3.8 uIU/ml). TSH is checked to rule out other problems, such as an underactive or overactive thyroid, which often cause irregular or lack of periods and anovulation.
Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.
The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.87 (apple body shape). However, some individuals may not experience any noticeable changes in their stomach.
Upon assessment, many women with PCOS describe little or no breast changes during the pregnancy, and examination reveals breasts that are tubular in shape, widely spaced, or asymmetrical.