Girl Talk: Genetics, Hormones and Awkward Family Heirlooms

Let’s talk about some things that might not always come up at brunch, but are definitely important: our bodies and their amazing (and sometimes frustrating) inner workings.

Today, we’re diving into the world of hormones and genetics, specifically how they can influence two conditions – PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Endometriosis.

Family Matters: The Hereditary Link

Have you ever wondered why some women seem to experience more hormonal issues than others? Well, genetics can play a role! Both PCOS and Endo have a hereditary component. This means that if you have a close relative, like your mom, sister, or aunt, diagnosed with either condition, you might be at a slightly higher risk of developing it yourself.

But wait! Before you start freaking out, here’s the thing: having a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get PCOS or Endometriosis. It just means you might be more susceptible. Think of it like having a certain eye colour – it’s more likely you’ll share it with a family member, but not guaranteed.

PCOS: The Hormone Hustle

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries. Imagine your ovaries as little factories churning out eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In PCOS, these factories can get a bit confused. You might have:

• Irregular periods: This is a common symptom, with periods being infrequent, heavy, or totally absent.
• Excess androgens: These are typically “male” hormones, and high levels can lead to unwanted hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and even pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries might contain many tiny cysts (fluid-filled sacs) which can disrupt ovulation (the release of an egg).

Endometriosis: When Your Lining Gets Lost

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) starts growing outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic tissues. This misplaced tissue acts just like the normal lining – thickening and breaking down each month, which can cause:

• Painful periods: Cramps can be severe and extend beyond your typical period days.
• Pain during sex: This can be a major bummer and put a damper on intimacy.
• Heavy bleeding: Periods might be much heavier than usual.
• Infertility: Endometriosis can sometimes make it difficult to get pregnant.

Listen to Your Body: Signs and Symptoms

The key to managing both PCOS and Endometriosis is early diagnosis and treatment. Here’s when to pay attention to your body’s whispers (or shouts!):

• Irregular periods: This is a big one for both conditions.
• Pelvic pain: Pain before, during, or after your period, or during sex, could be a red flag.
• Heavy bleeding: Periods that last longer than usual or are super heavy might be a sign of something going on.
• Acne and unwanted hair growth: These can be symptoms of PCOS.

Don’t Panic, Get Empowered!

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t panic! Talk to your doctor. They can do a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests to diagnose PCOS or endometriosis. The good news is, there are many effective treatments available, including incorporating Jooce into your daily routine, lifestyle changes, and even surgery in some cases.

Remember, you’re not alone! Millions of women around the world deal with PCOS and Endometriosis. By understanding your family history and being aware of the symptoms, you can take charge of your health and live a happy, healthy life.

Bonus Tip: There are fantastic online resources and support groups for women with PCOS and Endometriosis (like Jooce!) Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Here’s to strong, healthy and hormonally-balanced women!

Citations

• [1] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.) Polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos
• [2] American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
• [3] Dunaif, A., Legro, R. S., & Ehrmann, D. A. (2004). Polycystic ovary syndrome. The Lancet, 364(9433), 1185-1193. 
• [4] The National Endometriosis Association. (n.d.) Causes of endometriosis. [invalid URL removed]
• [5] Treloar, S. A., Doherty, A. S., Missfelder, A. D., & Conway, G. S. (1998). Genetic epidemiology of endometriosis. Human Reproduction, 13(2), 381-387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34638893/
• [6] Marsh, E. A., & Doherty, A. S. (2010). Genetics of endometriosis. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 24(5), 725-735. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323913805000186
• [7] American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). Healthy weight and physical activity for women. [invalid URL removed]
• [8] The National Endometriosis Association. (n.d.) Can diet help with endometriosis?. [invalid URL removed]
• [9] Office on Women’s Health. (2020, September 24). Endometriosis. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis