What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a medical disorder impacting female hormones. This gynecological condition affects women during their reproductive years and results in prolonged menstruation and higher levels of male hormones.
In many cases of PCOS, the ovaries develop follicles or small collections of fluid accumulation that impeds the proper release of eggs.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome?
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include oversized polycystic ovaries, the follicles surrounding your eggs, and excess levels of male hormones that can cause moderate to severe acne, baldness, and excess facial and body hair. Irregular, infrequent, prolonged, or abnormally heavy menstruation are also common.
PCOS symptoms typically occur during puberty or the first menstrual cycle but can occur later. PCOS is associated with excess weight gain.
What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome?
The exact cause of PCOS isn’t definitive, but some factors seem to play a part, such as:
- Excess androgen male hormones
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Excess insulin hormone
Low-grade inflammation might also be involved with PCOS.
What are the complications of PCOS?
PCOS can lead to various complications, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes and gestational diabetes
- Infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Metabolic syndrome
- Endometrial cancer
- Eating disorders
- Liver inflammation
If you have PCOS, you might also experience anxiety and depression.
How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed?
Your Women’s Health Care Center, PLLC, provider usually diagnoses PCOS through a:
- Discussion of your medical history
- Physical exam
- Pelvic exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
Your provider also sends you for blood work and lab work to check for certain hormone levels and other indicative factors.
How is polycystic ovarian syndrome treated?
Women’s Health Care Center, PLLC, offers a range of proven treatments and ways to manage PCOS, such as:
- Medications
- Nutrition to help regulate insulin
- Weight loss
- Contraception to regulate hormones
- Exercise to reduce androgen production
Treatment for PCOS revolves around managing your individual concerns, such as acne or obesity. The right medications and lifestyle changes can make a big difference for your PCOS. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 5% of your body weight can improve your condition.
Your provider might suggest certain medications or treatments to help regulate your menstrual cycle, such as progestin therapy or combination birth control pills.
Don’t let PCOS symptoms like acne, fatigue, and pelvic pain get you down when there are innovative solutions available at Women’s Health Care Center, PLLC. Call or click to schedule an appointment online today.
