What is PCOS?
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. About 1 in 10 women have PCOS, making it one of the most common causes of menstrual irregularities and infertility in women.
Some key things to know about PCOS:
- PCOS is characterized by a combination of symptoms rather than just one. The three main features are:
- Irregular or missed menstrual cycles
- Excess androgen levels - High levels of "male" hormones like testosterone, which can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth
- Polycystic ovaries - Ovaries that have a characteristic "string of pearls" appearance on ultrasound and contain many small follicles
- The exact cause is unknown, but it seems to involve insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the effects of insulin in their body and produce higher-than-normal amounts of insulin to overcome this resistance.
- PCOS signs and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual periods
- Acne
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes
- Thinning hair and hair loss on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts
- While the symptoms can be bothersome, PCOS also increases a woman's risk for more serious health problems in the future, like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
If you suspect you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your doctor. They can perform exams and tests to check for PCOS signs and symptoms.
Getting properly diagnosed and beginning treatment for PCOS is important. Lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight can help manage PCOS symptoms. Medications like birth control pills and metformin may also be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and treat other PCOS symptoms. Our knowledgeable physicians at Balanced Hormone Clinic specialize in properly diagnosing and effectively treating PCOS through customized treatment plans for each patient. We accept most major insurance plans and new patients.
I hope this overview on PCOS was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.