What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. An estimated 5-10% of women have PCOS.
The key features of PCOS include:
- Irregular or absent periods - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Some women don't get their period at all.
- Excess androgen levels - Women with PCOS tend to have higher than normal levels of androgens like testosterone. This can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, adult acne, and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic ovaries - PCOS gets its name because many women develop harmless small fluid-filled cysts in their ovaries. However, some women with the condition have normal-looking ovaries.
What Causes PCOS?
Doctors don't know the exact cause of PCOS. Research suggests it's related to abnormal hormone levels, including:
- Insulin - Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Many women with PCOS tend to have some insulin resistance, leading to higher insulin levels.
- Reproductive hormones - Women with PCOS often make more androgens and estrogen relative to progesterone. The hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation.
PCOS Symptoms
In addition to the key features of PCOS mentioned earlier, other common PCOS symptoms include:
- Weight gain and obesity, especially around the waist
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts
- Skin tags on the neck or armpits
Getting Diagnosed
If you suspect you may have PCOS based on irregular cycles or symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can do an evaluation which may include:
- Medical history - Your provider will ask about your cycles, symptoms, and risk factors like obesity or family history.
- Physical exam - They will check for signs of excess hair growth, acne, and other PCOS symptoms.
- Pelvic exam - This checks for cysts and other ovarian abnormalities.
- Blood tests - These measure hormone levels for testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and more.
- Ultrasound - An ultrasound of the ovaries allows your doctor to check for cysts.
If test results indicate PCOS, your provider may recommend checking for complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Ongoing monitoring and treatment are important for managing PCOS symptoms and preventing long-term problems.
While there's no cure for PCOS, lifestyle changes and medication can help regulate cycles and improve symptoms. Losing weight through diet and exercise is especially helpful for overweight women. Birth control pills Provide hormonal regulation. Metformin and fertility medications may be options as well.
Struggling with PCOS symptoms? The caring providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic specialize in holistic and personalized care for PCOS and other hormonal conditions. (increase-testosterone.com) to discuss a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.