What
is PCOS?
THE POLYCYSTIC OVARY
SYNDROME
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is negatively affecting the health and quality of life of approximately 110 million women worldwide in different ways, and even of their offspring. It is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and, by 2026, it is expected that 120 million women will suffer it. However, it does not have an approved treatment yet.
Women with PCOS may have different symptoms like infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods and excessive levels of male hormones (androgens), which are usually present in women in small amounts, and that may result in excessive body hair (hirsutism) and acne and also associate to abnormal body fat distribution.
These are symptoms that not only affect physical health but can also affect women’s self-confidence and self-esteem. In fact, approximately 40% of women with PCOS are known to experience depression or anxiety. This emotional impact is also reinforced by the potential subfertility that PCOS can cause, which often results in frustration.
Main symptoms of PCOS
It is also associated with lifelong disorders like:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Anxiety / depression
- Premature vascular aging
- Premenopausal cancer
- Pregnancies at risk for premature babies
How is PCOS treated now?
There is currently no approved treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent girls and young women.
However, 98% of them –even those without pregnancy risk- are prescribed oral contraceptives (OCs).
OCs do alleviate key symptoms, such as menstrual irregularity or hirsutism, but do not revert the underlying pathophysiology, and patients remain at risk for post-treatment subfertility.
SPIOMET4HEALTH aims to provide a treatment for PCOS, tackling the root of the problem.