Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Truths and myths

Weight gain, irregular periods, and hair growth on the upper lip and other unwanted areas — these are just a few signs of polycistic ovary syndrome (PCOS), they say.

In a recent Pinoy MD episode, Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Raul Quillamar set the record straight about the truths and myths of having PCOS.

You will never lose weight, when you have PCOS: Myth

Dr. Quillamor said one of the suggested ways for women afflicted with PCOS is regular exercise and balanced diet.

"'Yan ay hindi totoo kasi ang isa sa mga management regimen natin sa mga babae na may PCOS na matataba ay ina-advise natin sila na mag-lose ng weight," he said.

He said by normalizing the body mass index will help balance their hormonal levels.

"Pag overweight, i-no-normalize natin 'yong body mass index para  ang kanilang hormonal levels ay magiging maganda rin," he said.

PCOS is caused by contraceptive pills: Myth

There are traditions of thought that suggest the accumulation of contraceptive pills in the ovaries is the cause of the cysts, but Dr. Quillamor said there is no truth in that statement.

In fact, taking pills actually helps control PCOS.

"Ang pills actually is one of the management ways din sa isang babaeng may PCOS. One ways to normalize hormones ng babae. Kaya imbis na sabihin na ito ang sanhi ng pagkakaroon ng PCOS, ito pa mismo ang paraan para ma-control ito," he said.

It's harder for women who have PCOS to get pregnant: Truth

Dr. Quillamor said since most women who have PCOS don't ovulate, it causes infertility problems.

But it's still a case to case basis, Dr. Quillamor clarifies. There some women who can still get pregnant.

"Totoo ito kasi 'pag may PCOS ang isang babae hindi talaga sila nago-ovulate in most cases, although may mga babae rin na may polycystic ovary na nabubuntis din," Dr. Quillamor said.

"Eh kailangan nga i-adjust natin ang kanilang menstrual cycle make sure na nago-ovulate sila para mabuntis sila," he added.

Without management and a doctor's guidance to properly address PCOS; it may cause other diseases later in a woman's life namely, type 2 diabetes, metabolic problems, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News