Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): How to Care for Yourself

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a problem with a female's hormones that causes irregular or missed periods. It may also cause someone to be overweight, have acne, grow extra body and facial hair, and have other problems. Treatment can make symptoms better and usually includes birth control pills and making diet and physical activity changes. Use these instructions to help you care for yourself.

• If the health care provider prescribed any medicines, be sure to use them as directed.

• Make healthy diet and activity choices:

  • Try to be involved in meal planning, going to the grocery store, and cooking. 

  • Cook healthy meals with lean meats like chicken and pork and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

  • Eat at home with your family as often as possible.

  • Limit soda and other sugary drinks. Don't drink alcohol.

  • Practice good eating habits by eating only when hungry, having reasonable portions, and stopping when you are full.

  • Try to make healthy choices when eating away from home. To keep portions reasonable, try to share a meal or bring leftovers home for the next day.

  • Be physically active as often as possible. Find something you enjoy doing, such as walking, playing frisbee, or doing fitness classes.

  • Try to limit your screen time. Go for a walk or spend time with family or friends instead.

• If you are bothered by face or body hair, there are different options for hair removal such as shaving, depilatory creams, tweezing, waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. You can also ask your health care provider about medicines that can help.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for when to follow up and whether you need to see any specialists.

You:

• are thirstier than usual or lose or gain weight 

• feel anxious or depressed

• have acne that doesn't improve with treatment

Can someone with PCOS get pregnant? Yes. Although it may be harder to get pregnant, it can still happen. So if you are sexually active, be sure to use a reliable method of birth control. For females who want to get pregnant, treatments can help.

What causes PCOS? The exact cause of PCOS is not known. Normally, an egg is released from the ovary about every month (called ovulation). But in PCOS, hormone imbalances prevent the egg from being released. The follicles (cysts) that hold the eggs build up in the ovaries. One of the hormones that is out of balance is the male hormone, testosterone. There is too much of it and it can cause acne, weight gain, and extra face/body hair.

What other problems can happen in PCOS? People with PCOS are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance (trouble regulating glucose, which can lead to type 2 diabetes), and sleep apnea. Weight loss can often help with these problems, as can some medicines. It isn't clear why, but teens with PCOS have an increased risk of anxiety and depression. If you feel anxious or depressed, talking to a therapist can help you feel better. Talking with others with PCOS is a great way to share information about treatment and get support. Ask your health care provider or search online for a local support group.