What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder affecting approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), irregular periods, infertility, and multiple cysts on one or both ovaries.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it appears to be related to insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and obesity exacerbates the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS. Genetics may also play a role.
Some key signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods - this is often one of the first signs of PCOS in teens and young women. Periods may be absent (amenorrhea), infrequent, frequent, erratic, or abnormally heavy.
- Infertility - PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Problems with ovulation prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly.
- Hirsutism - increased hair growth on the face, chest, back, or buttocks. This occurs due to elevated male hormones.
- Weight gain - many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, especially with fat accumulation around the waist.
- Oily skin and acne - hormonal imbalances can cause increased oil production and worsen acne.
- Male pattern baldness - hair loss or thinning hair is common in women with PCOS.
- Skin tags - small excess flaps of skin in body creases.
PCOS increases a woman's risk for several other health conditions including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
- Endometrial cancer
Diagnosing PCOS usually involves a pelvic exam, blood tests to measure hormone levels, and possibly an ultrasound to examine the ovaries.
There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications:
- Losing weight through diet and exercise helps improve PCOS symptoms in overweight women.
- Birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce male hormones.
- Diabetes medications like metformin can help control blood sugar levels, regulate ovulation, and reduce male hormones.
- Anti-androgens like spironolactone block male hormones to improve acne, hair growth, and hair loss.
- Fertility medications like clomiphene may be used to induce ovulation for women trying to conceive.
I know hormone imbalances like PCOS can be frustrating to deal with. The experts at Restore Wellness Center specialize in holistic and natural hormone treatments personalized to your unique needs. Their integrative approach combines nutrition, supplements, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle changes to restore hormonal balance from the inside out.