What is PCOS?
That is a question I get often. What is PCOS? Well, PCOS is short for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles/cysts) and fail to regularly release eggs.
Both Male and Females have Estrogen (Female Hormone) and Testosterone (Male Hormone).
Men have higher levels of Testosterone with lower Estrogen levels:
Adult Male Testosterone levels: 240-950 ng/dl in
Adult Male Estrogen (Estradiol) levels: 10–40 pg/ml
Women have higher levels of Estrogen levels and lower testosterone levels:
Adult Female Estrogen (Estradiol) levels: 15–350 pg/ml
Adult Female Testosterone levels: 8-60 ng/dl
Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and their numbers can vary but testosterone in a majority of cases goes up. I’ve had my testosterone levels in the 80s which is 20+ ng/dl over what is considered in range for a female. The last time my Testosterone levels were measured, I was able to drop my testosterone by 40 ng/dl but then it increased to 51 ng/dl - this was a little frustrating, but I didn’t let it discourage me. I just refocus, pivot, and keep going. Never dwell on the small things, I had already done something amazing - an 11 pt jump is very small compared to everything else.
What causes PCOS isn’t clearly stated in the medical field however what can cause it, is being overweight, constant exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals/elements, and having cysts in your ovaries. If you have a woman in the family, a Grandmother/Mother, Aunt, sister who has it, you might have a higher risk of having it as well.
So can we have Children? Well, it all depends. It depends on how early you treat it. The earlier you get diagnosed, and start to get treated will determine if you can. I know I’m in a much better position in being able to conceive now compared to when I was 16, however, the chances are unknown because I haven’t actively tried to see if my numbers were optimal for conception. Why? A lot of people ask this question and it has to do with the fact that even though I love children and I think they’re great, I just really don’t want children. I love animals and dogs. We have a corgi named Sparky who is our son and we’re happy with him.
The topic of infertility is an interesting one. Some women struggle with infertility and are trying. Some struggle with infertility who have tried IVF and are pregnant right now. Some are going to different routes for adoption. All of these options are personal choices, however, I feel there’s a group that is not acknowledged enough and I’m here to say we exist and it’s the group that can’t have children or it’s difficult to conceive, however, we’re okay with it because we don’t want kids anyway! I think this group needs more attention because once people hear my story they tell me how sorry they are and I tell them don’t be - I don’t want kids anyway— and then queue the “how could you say something like that?” look. We shouldn’t feel guilty about it.
Hope this information is helpful! xoxo