PCOS or Menopause

There is a incorrect understanding that the PCOS you have suffered from,  perhaps for the last few decades, will just disappear as soon as your hormones change and peri menopause or menopause ensues.

This is not true in many cases.
During your peri/menopausal period your cycle will become more erratic and eventually your menses will disappear.  You might still experience symptoms of PCOS though. 
PCOS unfortunately doesn't just go away during peri/menopause. The symptoms associated with high androgen levels as well as insulin resistance may even increase.

Lets explore the symptoms of PCOS and the differences between this and  peri/menopausal periods.

PCOS is marked by an imbalance in hormones, respectively oestrogen, progesterone and androgens/male hormones, as well as insulin resistance.  This will lead to irregular periods, symptoms of high androgens like hirsutism and in some cases ovarian cysts. Periods are irregular due to absent ovulation and may lead to infertility. Ovulation only happens when you have a cycle and will result in stimulation of progesterone. When your cycle becomes irregular during peri/menopause, ovulation will be less frequent leading to a lower level of progesterone in comparison to oestrogen and oestrogen dominance symptoms will appear, causing a more tumultuous "change of life". This hormonal state of increased oestrogen compared to progesterone can also be seen in PCOS.
 
What exactly causes PCOS is still very much unknown, but there seems to be a genetic link.

Symptoms of PCOS include:

•  Irregular periods
•  Acne
•  Trouble losing weight
•  Anxiety
•  Depression 
• Excessive hair growth where you don’t want it (hirsutism). Upper Lip, chin, midline and nipple hair growth
•  Hair loss on your scalp

Menopause on the other hand, is not a disorder and a natural phase that all women go through. Menopause typically occurs around the age of 51. This is when menstrual periods cease
due to declining ovarian function.

Perimenopause, lasting up to 10 years causes symptoms like:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Changes in skin, including acne
• Hair loss
• And many other symptoms, which you can read about here
• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by PCOS or peri menopause/menopause, it might be helpfull to have some blood tests done. You can contact your health practitioner to assist with this.

​Dr. Marike de Klerk