PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal condition that affects some women during their childbearing years. The root cause of PCOS is unknown, but possible triggers include:

Menstrual problems

PCOS might develop when you start menstruating or if you experience irregular or infrequent periods. When you have PCOS, your periods might last longer than usual.

Elevated androgens

Androgens are male sex hormones, but women have them too in small amounts. Excessive levels of androgens can cause hirsutism (excessive facial and body hair growth), male-pattern baldness, and acne.

Insulin resistance

The essential hormone insulin regulates your blood sugar levels. Sometimes the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, making your blood sugar rise to harmful levels. This triggers Type 2 diabetes and increases the risk of excessive androgen production.

Weight issues

PCOS might develop if you gain a significant amount of weight. The condition can also cause obesity and make it hard to lose weight.

What complications might PCOS cause?

Without expert treatment, PCOS can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Endometrial cancer
• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Heart disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Eating disorders
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (severe liver inflammation)

PCOS is also a leading cause of female infertility.

How is PCOS treated?

There’s no cure for PCOS, so The Women’s Health Group, P.A. team focuses on optimal symptom management and treating any complications. The primary treatment for PCOS is medication.

Medications like the combination birth control pill contain the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Raising these hormone levels helps decrease androgen production, relieving common PCOS symptoms like acne and hirsutism and lowering your risk of endometrial cancer.

Alternatives to birth control pills include a hormonal patch or vaginal ring, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Other drugs that can help treat PCOS include gonadotropins to rebalance your hormone levels and metformin to reduce insulin resistance.

A healthy diet and active lifestyle also help you manage your PCOS more effectively.

Can I have a baby if I’ve got PCOS?

PCOS quite often causes fertility problems, so visit The Women’s Health Group, P.A. if you’re having difficulties conceiving. They can check your reproductive hormone levels at their onsite lab and prescribe medications to help you ovulate.

PCOS also increases your risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

If you have symptoms of PCOS, get an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care by calling The Women’s Health Group, P.A. today. You can also book an appointment online.