What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. About 5-10% of women have PCOS.
Some key facts about PCOS:
- Main symptoms include irregular periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, and acne. Many women also struggle with weight gain and have a hard time losing weight.
- PCOS is caused by high levels of androgens, which are "male" hormones. Women with PCOS tend to have higher than normal testosterone and other androgen levels.
- The exact cause is unknown but genetics plays a major role. PCOS seems to run in families.
Diagnosis is based on at least 2 of the following criteria:
- Irregular periods - This means cycles longer than 35 days or less than 21 days apart. The menstrual dysfunction indicates problems with ovulation.
- Signs of androgen excess - Symptoms like excess facial/body hair growth, adult acne, and male-pattern balding indicate higher androgen levels.
- Polycystic ovaries - Ultrasounds reveal ovaries that have a polycystic (many cysts) appearance and higher number of follicles.
PCOS increases a woman's risk for several other health problems:
- Infertility - Lack of ovulation prevents pregnancy naturally. PCOS is the 1 cause of female infertility.
- Diabetes - Up to 50% of women with PCOS develop diabetes by their 40th birthday due to underlying insulin resistance.
- Depression - Coping with PCOS symptoms can negatively impact one's self-esteem and quality of life.
- Endometrial cancer - Lack of periods for many years creates a dangerous overgrowth of the uterus lining.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:
- Birth control pills and other hormones can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce excess hair growth.
- Fertility treatments like ovulation induction medications can help achieve pregnancy.
- A healthy lifestyle with exercise and weight control helps regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin levels.
If you think you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and ask to be checked for this condition. My clinic, New Beginnings HRT Clinic, specializes in treating hormonal disorders like PCOS. We offer customized treatment plans to help women better manage this syndrome and improve their quality of life. Now scheduling new patient appointments!
I hope this overview on PCOS was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.