Background:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that influences individuals with ovaries, disrupting the normal functioning of the reproductive system. While PCOS is widely known for its associated symptoms, such as irregular periods, acne, and obesity, there is a common question that often arises among those diagnosed with this condition: Does PCOS cause Early Menopause? In this exploration, we will delve into the relationship between PCOS and early Menopause, aiming to provide a clear and understandable understanding of how these two aspects of reproductive health may or may not be interconnected.

Understanding PCOS involves recognizing its impact on hormonal balance and the formation of tiny cysts on the ovaries, which can lead to challenges in conceiving. Early Menopause, typically occurring before the age of 40, marks the end of a person’s reproductive years. The speculation about whether PCOS directly contributes to an early onset of Menopause is a critical aspect to address for individuals navigating the complexities of this hormonal disorder. As we embark on this exploration, it is essential to approach the subject with a crystal clear perspective, considering existing scientific knowledge and seeking clarity on the relationship between PCOS and the timing of Menopause.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely spread endocrinopathy that affects women’s reproductive health in a wider aspect. It can affect any age group from menarche to Menopause and beyond, as well as disturb the quality of life.

The constitution of the disorder fluctuates as age advances and seems to become more metabolic than a reproductive disease. 

PCOS is a condition that affects the way ovaries work, causing an imbalance in sex hormones and the formation of small cysts across the ovaries.

You can also explore: Does early menopause cause early death?

Early Menopause:

Menopause is a terminal phase of the reproductive phase of women with the stoppage of egg production in the ovary as well as the menstrual cycle.

It is an essential life event that indicates the ageing of the reproductive system, usually onset in the late 40s and start of 50.

Early Menopause can be defined as the onset of Menopause before the natural Menopause. The onset of early Menopause is usually before the age of 40, in some cases at the age of 35, as a consequence of alternation in the endocrine system or some associated pathological conditions like oophorectomy, radiation, and chemotherapic treatments.

Significance of exploring the potential link between PCOS and Early Menopause:

Understanding the connection between PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and early Menopause is really important for women’s health. PCOS can bring various challenges to a woman’s body, affecting things like hormones and fertility. If there’s a possible link between PCOS and early Menopause, it means we need to pay extra attention to women with PCOS. Early Menopause can impact a woman’s life in many ways, from her overall health to her plans for having a family. By exploring this potential link, doctors and researchers can find better ways to support women with PCOS and provide them with the proper care at the right time.

Contribution of hormones:

PCOS:

Here is the list of hormones that are influenced by Polycystic ovarian syndrome, including reproductive as well as metabolic hormones:

• Leutinizing hormone elevated.
• Estrogen (estradiol) levels are high in the blood.
• Insulin levels become high.
• Testosterone, along with free testosterone levels, reaches up.
• Elevated serum levels of AMH (anti-mullerian hormone). It is correlated with elevated levels of LH and testosterone.
• There is also an elevation of serum prolactin levels in the specific proportion of patients associated with PCOS.
• Androstenedione levels become slightly elevated.

Early Menopause:

Early Menopause occurs naturally as a consequence of ovarian failure, known as premature ovarian failure, or due to early menarche. All factors can lead to a complete stoppage of the production of Estrogen through the ovary. If the symptoms are disturbing and impact daily life, hormonal therapy for treating menopause is recommended to overcome the adverse symptoms

Signs and symptoms that differ both:

PCOS:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome has signs and symptoms which alter with age. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular menstruation.
• Cyst across the ovary or both.
• Excessive facial hairs.
• Acne.
• Idiopathic obesity.
• Male pattern of hair distribution.
• Oily skin.

The symptoms worsen with the advancement of age and increase the risk of 

• Insulin resistance.
• Glucose intolerance.
• Stroke.
• Chronic inflammation.
• Hyperlipidemia.
• Cardiovascular disorders.

Early Menopause:

Early Menopause is associated with the following signs and symptoms:

• Hot flushes.
• Dryness of vagina.
• Night sweats.
• Frequent UTIs.
• Insomnia.
• Mood swings along with anxiety and depression.
• Loss of libido.
• Breast sore to touch.
• Body aches.
• Hair loss.

”POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) AND ITS IMPACT ON FERTILITY” ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2024

Does PCOS cause Early Menopause?

The average age of Menopause varies between women. It always depends upon the number of follicles present in the ovary as well as the depletion rate. So the question arises: ”Does PCOS cause early Menopause?” So, the answer is that the anti-mullerian hormone AMH is considered as a parameter to check the number of antral (resting) follicles. Those who suffer from PCOS have a high level of serum AMH, which means they have a high reserve of follicles in their ovaries.

So, the studies suggest that women who have polycystic disorder will reach Menopause 4 years later as compared to those who have disorder-free ovaries. There is no connection between PCOS and early Menopause. Rather, PCOS can prolong the menstrual journey with a minimal level of FSH. 

Relation between PCOS and Menopause:

As the body transits toward Menopause (early or natural), there are numerous hormonal changes occur in the body. Androgens, which are known for masculine traits, become up or remain constant. Simultaneously, the levels of Estrogen drop down, so theoretically, the levels of androgens become high as compared to Estrogen. This results in the worsening of already existing symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome like chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, especially at the abdomen, and alteration in the lipid profile of the body.

It is important to remember that due to the decline of ovarian oocyte production as well as associated hormone synthesis. The androgen produced by the ovaries declines, too. Still, the plasma concentration of androgen is high in later years with PCOS. The reason behind this is the marked release of androgen from adrenal glands till Menopause in women suffering from PCOS, which results in hyperandrogenic still for an extended period.

It is thought that hyperandrogencity is said to be the connection between the disturbing symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome and Menopause.

The lowdown:

 In wrapping up our exploration, let’s take a closer look at what we’ve discovered about the connection between PCOS and early Menopause. Firstly, we gathered important information about PCOS and its potential influence on women experiencing Menopause earlier than usual. This knowledge helps us see the bigger picture of women’s health and the unique challenges they may face.

Understanding the link between PCOS and early Menopause is significant because it allows us to be more aware and proactive in supporting women’s well-being. With this knowledge, doctors, researchers, and everyone involved in healthcare can better tailor their approach to help women with PCOS navigate their health journeys more effectively. Finally, there’s a call to action for increased awareness, more research, and better healthcare initiatives focusing on women’s health. By shining a light on these connections, we pave the way for improved care, support, and a healthier future for women dealing with PCOS and its potential impact on Menopause.

FAQs:

• Does PCOS make Menopause worse?

PCOS makes atrophic vaginitis (a symptom of Menopause) intense. It is suggested that the chronic inflammation along with metabolic parameters (insulin resistance, glucose intolerance) and lipid profile worsen as the patient having PCOS enters Menopause. It is also thought that the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes.

On the other side, it is clear that PCOS women having menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweating become better due to high androgen levels in healthy women. Simultaneously, this will also cause a high impact on facial hair, body hair, hair loss, and baldness.

• Can you get PCOS after Menopause?

PCOS can affect every female from menarche to Menopause, even after Menopause. However, sometimes it is difficult to identify the symptoms of PCOS after Menopause since both conditions share common signs and symptoms.

• Can you develop PCOS in your 40s?

PCOS is a pathological condition of the reproductive system. It occurs as an alteration in oocyte formation and associated hormone synthesis. PCOS can influence every age group. However, the associated signs and symptoms and their intensity vary.

• Can PCOS speed up menopause?

The answer is simply no! Women who suffer from PCOS will experience menopause a few years later instead of early occurrence as happens in healthy women.

• How do I know if it’s PCOS or perimenopause?

Although the symptoms of PCOS and perimenopause seem to be similar, however, there are some signs which differ the both. It includes vaginal dryness, hot flushes at night, sweating and loss of libido.

References:

https://perlahealth.com/pcos-hormones/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21138-premature-and-early-menopause

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8189332/