Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of male hormones called androgens, which can contribute to symptoms such as:
- Irregular periods or absent periods
- Infertility due to lack of ovulation
- Ovarian cysts - fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries
- Excess body and facial hair
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Thinning hair and hair loss on the scalp
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it seems to run in families.
Doctors diagnose PCOS based on a combination of signs and symptoms, as well as blood tests to check hormone levels.
Some key facts about PCOS:
- It gets its name from the ovarian cysts that can form when ovulation does not regularly occur, but cysts themselves are not required for diagnosis
- The major underlying problem is hormone imbalance - specifically, elevated male hormones prevent proper functioning of female reproductive hormones
- Insulin resistance also commonly occurs, which exacerbates symptoms and makes weight management especially difficult
- PCOS is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer down the line if not properly managed
So how do you treat PCOS? The best treatment approach depends on the patient's symptoms and plans for having children:
- Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels
- Fertility medications can induce ovulation for patients trying to conceive
- A diabetes medication called metformin is commonly prescribed to lower testosterone levels and reduce insulin resistance
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly to prevent or manage weight gain and associated health risks
- For excess hair growth, options range from shaving to prescription hair removal creams
The exact symptoms and severity can vary widely among patients. While there's no cure, early PCOS diagnosis and appropriate treatment lessen symptoms and lower associated long-term health risks. Working closely with your doctor at Vitality Health Center is key to developing an individualized management plan.