70. Women’s Hormones, PCOS, & Menopause - with Dr. Felice Gersh

Symptoms

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Felice Gersh explains that women must exhibit two of the following: multiple ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, or signs of androgen excess, such as excessive facial or body hair and cystic acne 1. These symptoms are crucial for diagnosis, as they indicate hormonal imbalances that require attention. Kelly LeVeque adds that understanding these symptoms helps women advocate for their health, especially when discussing diagnostic tests with healthcare providers 2.

   

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances play a significant role in PCOS, often leading to excessive production of androgens and cortisol. Felice Gersh highlights how endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone function, causing prolonged puberty-like states with elevated cortisol and DHEA levels 3. This hormonal disruption results in symptoms like insulin resistance and mood instability. Gersh notes that traditional hormone tests may not accurately reflect these imbalances, emphasizing the importance of sex hormone binding globulin levels in understanding free testosterone availability 4.