PCOS

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and who does it affect?

PCOS is a health condition that creates hormonal imbalances in women. Some women with PCOS develop numerous fluid-filled sacs on the outer areas of their ovaries, but not everyone with PCOS will develop cysts. 

Women who develop PCOS create higher-than-average levels of androgens, the sex hormones that men usually create in high volumes. This disrupts a woman’s menstrual cycle and creates a range of symptoms. 

Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of PCOS. The condition affects women during their reproductive years. If you are overweight or have a family history of PCOS, you have a higher risk of developing the condition. 

How do I know if I might be experiencing PCOS?

Understanding the signs of PCOS can help you know when to seek help. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms are common among numerous other gynecologic conditions, so it isn’t always easy to reach a diagnosis. 

Some of the indications that you might have PCOS include:

• Infrequent periods
• Periods that are very heavy or last longer than a week
• Excess hair growth on your face or body
• Problems reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
• Acne
• Dark areas of skin around your armpits or beneath your breasts
• Skin tags 

Infertility is also a common symptom of PCOS. In fact, many women first learn they have the condition when they come in for infertility treatment. 

What kinds of treatments help women with PCOS?

Treating PCOS involves taking steps to improve your hormonal balance. One of the most common treatments is taking hormonal birth control. By incorporating supplemental hormones through birth control pills, injections, patches, or an intrauterine device (IUD), your practitioner can help restore proper hormonal balance. 

There are also medications you can take to change the way androgens affect your body. This can be a good way to control acne or excessive hair growth. There are also drugs that can improve how your body processes insulin, which can help regulate your periods. 

Lifestyle changes are also an excellent way to treat PCOS. Choosing nutritious foods that fuel your body and getting down to a healthy weight can do wonders to regulate hormones and reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a diagnostic exam, call or book a visit online at Dekalb Women’s Specialists today.