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 prevalent endocrine disorders among women of childbearing age.
Some key facts about PCOS:
- Main signs and symptoms include irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), and acne. Many women also struggle with weight gain and obesity.
- PCOS is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Women with PCOS tend to have higher testosterone and lower progesterone levels.
- Patients are often diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, but PCOS can start much earlier. Teenage girls may show signs like irregular cycles and acne.
- There's no cure yet, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. Losing just 5-10 lbs can help regulate cycles.
What Causes PCOS?
Doctors don't know exactly what causes PCOS, but these factors likely play a role:
- Genetics: Women with a close relative who has/had PCOS are more likely to have it.
- Excess insulin: Many women with PCOS produce higher than normal amounts of insulin. This can disrupt ovulation and other reproductive hormones.
- Low-grade inflammation: Women with PCOS often have mildly elevated levels of inflammation markers. This type of chronic inflammation may contribute to symptoms.
Getting Diagnosed and Treated
If you suspect you have PCOS based on irregular cycles, hair growth/loss, acne, or unexplained weight gain, make an appointment with your gynecologist or endocrinologist. They can run blood tests to measure your hormone levels and look for ovarian cysts via ultrasound.
Once diagnosed, doctors like the experts at Optimal Hormone Solutions can help develop an integrated treatment plan based on your symptoms and health goals. This may include:
- Lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise
- Birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles
- Metformin or other medications to improve insulin sensitivity
- Targeted hair removal treatments if excess growth is a main concern
The right treatments can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of associated conditions like diabetes, improving quality of life. With powerful new therapies emerging, the future is bright for PCOS patients.