Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed

Women Veterans: Have you been feeling a bit off lately? Noticing irregular periods and unwelcomed hair or acne, or struggling to shed those stubborn pounds? These could be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome, better known as PCOS.

Understanding PCOS

PCOS is a common health concern, affecting 1 in 10 women, that can alter your hormonal balance, fertility and overall well-being. Up to 70% of women with PCOS don't even realize they have it.

PCOS is a condition in which your ovaries overproduce androgens ("male" sex hormones) in relation to estrogens ("female" sex hormones). While all people have some androgens and some estrogens in their body, when the ovaries produce extra androgens, it can impact ovulation and cause some of the other symptoms of PCOS.

This hormonal imbalance can lead to all sorts of symptoms like irregular or missed periods, thinning hair or unwanted hair growth (such as excessive facial hair), acne and oily skin, obesity or trouble losing weight, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Women with PCOS are also at increased risk of infertility, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, liver disease, heart disease, depression or difficulty breastfeeding. Women with PCOS who do not ovulate or ovulate very infrequently are also at higher risk of developing uterine cancer than women who don't have PCOS.

PCOS and fertility

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women but it is treatable. You can still become pregnant if you have PCOS, though because you may not be ovulating regularly, treatment may be needed. Your VA health care provider is here to guide you through it all. From understanding your risk factors to selecting treatments and lifestyle changes, we've got your back.

You can also do your part to lower your risk of pregnancy problems, such as gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnancy), by reaching a healthy weight and healthy blood sugar levels before getting pregnant, and by taking folic acid. Your VA health care team can guide you.

Diagnosis and treatment

Don't let your symptoms go untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment may lower your risk for long-term complications, including diabetes, heart disease and uterine cancer. VA can help. We will begin by evaluating you for PCOS through a combination of physical exam, blood tests and ultrasound. To be diagnosed for PCOS you must have at least two of the following:

• Irregular periods
• Lab tests or symptoms of high androgen levels
• Polycystic ovaries by ultrasound

Once diagnosed, your VA primary care provider can help you navigate your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for your unique needs. This may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, a tailored diet, prioritizing quality sleep and stress management practices, in addition to medications your VA health care team may prescribe.

VA services and resources

VA offers a wide range of services to help you treat your PCOS and manage other health conditions for which you may be at higher risk.

VA support includes:

Take charge of your PCOS journey and start managing your symptoms better by scheduling an appointment with your VA primary care provider.

If you do not currently have one, call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN or contact your local Women Veteran Program Manager to connect to care.

Visit the Women's Health PCOS page to learn more.

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