If you’re one of the roughly one in ten women that have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may be wondering what that means when you reach menopause.
PCOC can complicate the identification of menopause indicators, as the symptoms can closely resemble those of menopause.
If you currently suffer from PCOS, continue reading to learn more about PCOS, menopause, and the possibility of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).
What is PCOS?
PCOS is the dominant hormonal disorder found in women of childbearing age.
Even though it is called polycystic ovary syndrome, it not only affects ovarian function but also leads to irregular menstruation, acne, weight gain, and increased hair growth.
If you suffer from PCOS, you might experience difficulties conceiving, due to possible irregular egg release.
Periods often arrive less often than normal, occasionally with several months in between each menstrual cycle.
The specific reason for PCOS is unclear but it is thought to be linked to various hormonal shifts in the body, including:
- Elevated levels of male hormones, known as androgens, resulting in increased facial and body hair growth as well as acne
- Elevated levels of insulin and insulin resistance occurring throughout the body
While there is no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be controlled through lifestyle adjustments and medical remedies.
Which Hormones are Affected by PCOS and Menopause?
Women diagnosed with PCOS typically experience elevated levels of male hormones, such as testosterone.
PCOS can also reduce your body’s sensitivity to insulin. That leads to elevated levels of blood sugar that also enhance male hormones, exacerbating the symptoms of PCOS.
Women who have PCOS might experience decreased levels of the progesterone hormone.
Progesterone aids in controlling the menstrual cycle and supporting a pregnancy.
Before the onset of menopause, the body gradually reduces its production of estrogen and progesterone. A decline in estrogen levels leads to the cessation of ovulation.
Menopause is achieved when a woman has not experienced a menstrual period for an entire year.
PCOS and menopause affect the progesterone levels in your bloodstream, but they influence your hormones in different manners. That is the reason menopause does not treat or cure PCOS.
Is it More Difficult to Recognize Menopause with PCOS?
Because of the potentially similar symptoms, PCOS can complicate the ability to determine if menopause is occurring.
One clear indicator that you are approaching perimenopause is a shift in your menstrual cycle.
These occurrences could happen more or less often, and you might also notice a difference in your menstrual cycle, such as periods being heavier or lighter.
Because irregular menstruation is prevalent among individuals with PCOS, some may experience long intervals without a period, making it challenging to monitor cycle changes.
Additional signs of PCOS may overlap with typical menopause symptoms, including weight gain, acne, hair loss on the head, and increased body and facial hair.
One method of distinguishing between the two involves considering the duration of the symptoms.
Symptoms that have been apparent since your teenage years or early twenties are more likely to be attributed to PCOS.
However, it is important to remember that symptoms of PCOS can vary over time, and are often improved when weight is lost or a healthy BMI is maintained. There are many factors to take into account!
Symptoms that appear after the age of 45 are more likely to be attributed to menopause. This is especially accurate when they occur along with hot flashes or night sweats.
Symptoms of PCOS and Menopause
Menopause
Doctors describe menopause as beginning one year following a person’s final menstrual cycle.
During the menopausal period, you may experience:
- Hot flashes
- Unpredictable menstrual cycles, eventually leading to complete cessation
- Mood swings
- Decreased libido and vaginal dryness
PCOS
PCOS usually starts during the reproductive period.
Symptoms can manifest at any stage of life, however, tests can identify PCOS from the teenage years onwards. Signs may show up 2-3 years following the start of menstruation.
PCOS is usually diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. A diagnosis of PCOS will generally be made if an individual exhibits a minimum of two of the listed symptoms.
- Periods that are not regular or complete absence of menstruation
- Elevated amounts of testosterone, that result in acne, increased body and facial hair growth, and thinning of hair on the scalp
- Ovarian cysts
The physician will also have to eliminate other disorders that have comparable symptoms to PCOS, like hypothyroidism and steroid use.
Your doctor may be unable to diagnose PCOS after menopause because the main symptoms usually disappear.
Is it Safe to Use Hormone Replacement Therapy with PCOS?
Yes, individuals with PCOS can still use hormone replacement therapy to treat potential menopause symptoms. You will receive all the typical advantages of the treatment.
The lifestyle changes that are recommended for menopause, which do not involve hormones, could also benefit symptoms of PCOS.
This is particularly true for overweight individuals aiming to lose weight.
HRT is the most efficient way to manage menopause symptoms, as it replaces hormones no longer produced by your body.
Nonetheless, HRT may not be appropriate for all individuals – talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks and advantages of HRT.
When determining the most suitable HRT plan for you, your overall health, potential risks, and personal preferences will be considered.
Based on your assessment, your doctor will suggest potential HRT options, which may include the estrogen patch, pills, gel, or foams.
Whether you have already been diagnosed with PCOS, or you are currently concerned about potential symptoms, it can be helpful to remember that the lifestyle changes recommended during menopause can also alleviate PCOS symptoms.
When you do reach menopausal age, remember that treatments such as HRT may also be beneficial. When in doubt, talk to your doctor and see what the best solution for your symptoms might be.