Women Veterans: Have you been feeling a bit off lately? Noticing irregular periods and unwelcomed hair or acne, or struggling to shed those stubborn pounds? These could be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome, better known as PCOS.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS is a common health concern, affecting 1 in 10 women, that can alter your hormonal balance, fertility and overall well-being. Up to 70% of women with PCOS don’t even realize they have it.
PCOS is a condition in which your ovaries overproduce androgens (“male” sex hormones) in relation to estrogens (“female” sex hormones). While all people have some androgens and some estrogens in their body, when the ovaries produce extra androgens, it can impact ovulation and cause some of the other symptoms of PCOS.
This hormonal imbalance can lead to all sorts of symptoms like irregular or missed periods, thinning hair or unwanted hair growth (such as excessive facial hair), acne and oily skin, obesity or trouble losing weight, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Women with PCOS are also at increased risk of infertility, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, liver disease, heart disease, depression or difficulty breastfeeding. Women with PCOS who do not ovulate or ovulate very infrequently are also at higher risk of developing uterine cancer than women who don’t have PCOS.
PCOS and fertility
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women but it is treatable. You can still become pregnant if you have PCOS, though because you may not be ovulating regularly, treatment may be needed. Your VA health care provider is here to guide you through it all. From understanding your risk factors to selecting treatments and lifestyle changes, we’ve got your back.
You can also do your part to lower your risk of pregnancy problems, such as gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnancy), by reaching a healthy weight and healthy blood sugar levels before getting pregnant, and by taking folic acid. Your VA health care team can guide you.
Diagnosis and treatment
Don’t let your symptoms go untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment may lower your risk for long-term complications, including diabetes, heart disease and uterine cancer. VA can help. We will begin by evaluating you for PCOS through a combination of physical exam, blood tests and ultrasound. To be diagnosed for PCOS you must have at least two of the following:
- Irregular periods
- Lab tests or symptoms of high androgen levels
- Polycystic ovaries by ultrasound
Once diagnosed, your VA primary care provider can help you navigate your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for your unique needs. This may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, a tailored diet, prioritizing quality sleep and stress management practices, in addition to medications your VA health care team may prescribe.
VA services and resources
VA offers a wide range of services to help you treat your PCOS and manage other health conditions for which you may be at higher risk.
VA support includes:
- Gynecologic evaluation for irregular periods.
- Infertility treatment.
- Pre-conception care.
- Maternity care and breastfeeding support.
- Weight management.
- Hair removal.
- Mental health care.
- Heart disease and diabetes prevention.
- Medications to treat any of the above.
Take charge of your PCOS journey and start managing your symptoms better by scheduling an appointment with your VA primary care provider.
If you do not currently have one, call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN or contact your local Women Veteran Program Manager to connect to care.
Visit the Women’s Health PCOS page to learn more.
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I read the article. I went on active duty with the USAF on 5 Feb 1976. By the time I had reached my permanent duty station at Peterson AFB (July 1976) my PCOS symptoms were clear. The AF response was to shame me; put me on the “fat girl program”. Sent me to Lackland AFB for hormone implants for 2 yrs. By April 1979, I was bleeding constantly–the only recourse was a complete hysterectomy (just shy of my 29th birthday). I will never forget the cavalier attitude of AF physicians. I left the AF; eventually went to work as Family Support Center (the titles changes) specialist for the next 30+ years. I became an advocate for AD spouses who were abused by the military medical system. Now 74, I wish I had had the information listed above. If it saves the dignity of just one military woman or veteran, then I can rest easy. I will always be proud of my military service; I will encourage any female veteran to seek help for PCOS from VA.
While not exactly the same story, I can empathize. I enlisted in 1992 and kicked out in 1996 with an honorable discharge after having been through the torture and embarrassment of the Weight Management Program. No one seemed to really want to find an answer to the weight gain. It seemed the AF blamed me for the unexplained weight gain. In 2018, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had to have a full hysterectomy. At the same time was finally diagnosed as having PCOS. I use VA care. It took some pushing to get more testing to find out about the cancer. I am angry the cancer went undetected for several years, and that nothing more was done in the 90s. Fat men in the 90s were not receiving the same treatment. Back then, I got to endure the humiliation of losing rank and pay too. I would love to at least have the rank and pay back. I am still thankful and grateful, and a proud female AF veteran. Thanks for sharing your comment.