Changes in the PCOS Phenotype with Age

    April 2013 in “ Steroids ”
    Ming Jen Hsu
    Image of study
    TLDR PCOS symptoms change with age; younger women have higher androgen levels and less metabolic issues, while older women face more metabolic challenges despite milder PCOS symptoms.
    The document reviews how the phenotype of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) evolves with age, based on several studies. It indicates that younger women with PCOS generally exhibit higher androgen levels and lower BMI and insulin resistance, while older women tend to have increased insulin resistance and metabolic issues. A longitudinal study showed that over 20 years, androgen levels in women with PCOS decreased, waist circumference increased, and ovulatory cycles became more regular, suggesting a milder form of PCOS with age. However, metabolic abnormalities persisted or worsened. The prevalence of hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea in PCOS decreases with age, but obesity and metabolic disturbances become more common in older women. The document suggests that weight control in younger women with PCOS could mitigate the risk of later metabolic complications. The studies referenced include cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, providing a detailed perspective on the age-related changes in PCOS.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    7 / 7 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 21 results

      community Sugar and Hair loss connections

      in Research/Science  41 upvotes 6 months ago
      High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  55 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  450 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community PCOS Hair Loss: What’s Helped Me (and What Didn’t)

      in Treatment  10 upvotes 3 months ago
      OP shares their experience with PCOS-related hair loss, highlighting that addressing vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies, managing hormones with spironolactone, and using gentle hair care products helped improve their condition. They advise against relying on "miracle" hair oils and emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and a combined approach to treatment.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results