Did you know that Hispanic and South Asian women have a more severe phenotype of PCOS? What does that mean? And what even is PCOS?

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of male sex hormones called androgens. The condition describes small cysts that form in the ovaries, but not every person who has PCOS develops cysts. 

Symptoms

• Missed, irregular, or very light periods
• Ovaries that are large or have many cysts
• Excess body hair, including on the chest, stomach, and back (also known as hirsutism)
• Weight gain, especially around the belly
• Acne or oily skin
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
• Infertility 
• Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (also known as skin tags)
• Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts

On top of these symptoms, people with this condition are at risk for other health problems such as:

• Insulin Resistance
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Mood Disorders
• Inflammation

Risks and Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but the risk of developing it is higher if your female family members have it, if you are obese, or if you are insulin resistant. It mainly affects women in their childbearing ages (18 to 49). 

Demographics and Relations

In a study conducted on a total of 750 women who were Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic, it was found that Hispanic women

• Had a higher prevalence of hirsutism and acne
• Were more insulin-resistant
• Had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to Non-Hispanic Black people, but not that much higher compared to Non-Hispanic White people
• And a significantly higher fasting glucose level and a higher proportion of patients with abnormal glucose levels compared to Non-Hispanic White people.

You can read more about these results in the National Library of Medicine’s paper titled “Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Metabolic Phenotype”.

In another study, it was reported that South Asian women had increased hirsutism and their symptoms started earlier compared to their East Asian counterparts. You can read the rest of these findings in “The Risks of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Diabetes Vary by Ethnic Subgroup Among Young Asian Women”, which was conducted on 19,258 Chinese women, 23,213 Filipina women, and 19,108 South Asian women aged 21–44.

Treatments

Treatments for this condition differ on whether or not the person plans to become pregnant. If they are planning on becoming pregnant, treatments can include:

• A change in diet and activity to help reduce symptoms, use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and possibly help ovulation.
• Medications that help the ovaries release eggs normally. It is important to note, however, that this can increase a twin birth, and can cause ovarian hyperstimulation, abdominal bloating, or pelvic pain.

If they’re not trying to become pregnant, treatments include:

• Birth Control Pills
• Diabetes Medication
• A change in diet and activity
• Medications to treat symptoms like hair growth or acne.

Holistic Remedies

Similar to the exercises and diet changes doctors recommend, we suggest also trying Chinese Motherwort tea. The herb has been used in Chinese medicine to help with period pains and postpartum hemorrhaging. You can also try Red Sage tea to help with insulin resistance, obesity, and type-2 diabetes.* And eating things like beans, breakfast cereal, broccoli, and cauliflower, reducing your dairy intake, and eating balanced meals consistently can help treat the acne caused by PCOS. 

* This should not be used as a complete substitute for regular medicine or medical treatment

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Please note, Aydan can’t give medical advice