• What does Andrew say about PCOS?

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    has discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in several episodes of the . Here are some key insights:

    1. Incidence and Diagnosis: PCOS is often underdiagnosed, with prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 20% of women. Symptoms such as androgen excess, insulin resistance, and oligomenorrhea are common indicators, and many women discover their condition in their 30s due to fertility issues 1.

    2. Causes and Risk Factors: Insulin resistance is a significant factor. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to overproduce testosterone, leading to PCOS symptoms. This condition is also linked with obesity and metabolic issues 2.

    3. Symptoms and Criteria: Symptoms include androgenic acne, hair growth in unusual places (hirsutism), male-pattern baldness, and oligo-ovulation (irregular menstrual cycles). Though often associated with cystic ovaries, a diagnosis doesn't require the presence of ovarian cysts 3.

    4. Impact on Health: Beyond reproductive issues, PCOS is a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases as women age. Elevated androgens and insulin resistance contribute significantly to long-term health risks 4 2.

    5. Treatments: Common treatments include birth control to regulate ovulation and manage androgen levels. For obese patients, weight loss can restore ovulation. New treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise in reducing PCOS symptoms and improving fertility 5.

    Understanding PCOS's full spectrum and considering it a lifelong condition rather than just a reproductive issue can help tailor more effective treatments and support 4.

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