Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Curtis Allderidge
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
What is PCOS?
It is a hormonal disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. It causes irregular menstrual cycles (chronic anovulation), excessive hair growth (hirsutism), hyperandrogenism, central adiposity, acne, infertility, and of course the development of polycystic ovaries.
The cysts aren't really cysts but are rather underdeveloped follicles. The ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release the eggs. Often PCOS is undiagnosed until females begin to try to fall pregnant as the pill can regain menstrual regularity but it often masks the symptoms.
Unfortunately, PCOS is associated with several comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, obesity (approximately 50% of females with PCOS are obese), insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, endometrial cancer...It's a long list but exercise can make a significant positive impact!
How is it diagnosed?
The Rotterdam criteria is used to diagnose PCOS:
Hyperandrogenism: elevated levels of androgens (blood test).
Ovulatory dysfunction: irregular, infrequent, and/or absent menstrual periods (self-reported).
Polycystic ovaries: ovaries that are enlarged and contain many small immature follicles (internal ultrasound).
Risk factors of PCOS:
Genetics: there's evidence suggesting that there's a genetic predisposition to PCOS.
Environmental/Lifestyle: sedentary lifestyles, weight gain, and environmental androgen-disrupting chemicals may accumulate to a greater extent in PCOS individuals because of reduced hepatic clearance.
Obesity: it doesn't cause PCOS but it can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of the disease.
How Can Exercise Physiology Help?
Increased energy levels and fitness
Improved self-confidence and motivation
Reduced anxiety and depression
Reduced insulin resistance and increased insulin sensitivity
Improved menstrual regularity and fertility*
Helps with weight loss and maintenance
The Science Behind The Exercise!
The hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) which is the master regulator of the the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis).
GnRH tells the pituitary gland to to release Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and these hormones than act on the ovaries causing them to produce androgens (in the case of PCOS - hyperandrogenism).
Due to PCOS, there's an imbalance between LH:FSH (too much LH) which causes the ovaries to produce more androgens (i.e., testosterone) preventing regular ovulation due to low FSH hormonal levels (infertility).
High insulin levels also mimic LH which essentially tell the ovaries to produce more androgens causing a worsening of symptoms, but the androgens cause decreased sensitivity to insulin causing insulin resistance so, the pancreas keeps releasing more insulin in order to compensate and as a result more androgens are produced - it's one big vicious cycle.
Exercise significantly improves insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin resistance, lowers androgen levels, and decreases overall androgen production - it's one of the best things you can do if you have PCOS.
For any further information, questions, or to book an appointment please feel free to contact me via phone (03) 8203 2814 or email curtis@conqueralliedhealth.com.au
"Conquer Your Pain, Injury, and Health."
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