PCOS Specialist

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can affect women during their reproductive years. It often develops shortly after puberty, but many women are not properly diagnosed until they are in their 20s and 30s and trying to become pregnant. 

Researchers are uncertain of the exact causes of PCOS, but believe that many women with the condition have abnormally high levels of androgens, which are hormones usually found in higher levels in males. It also appears that abnormally high insulin production may play a causal role in PCOS. Chronic low-grade inflammation might also be part of the problem. 

What are some signs I might have PCOS?

The signs and symptoms of PCOS are not all linked to reproductive health, which is part of what makes it so challenging to diagnose the condition. Some of the changes that might indicate this type of hormonal imbalance include:

• Abnormal hair growth on the face or body
• Acne
• Obesity and difficult losing weight
• Thinning hair
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Areas of darkened skin

Some women with PCOS have trouble getting pregnant. Infertility is often the first indication of the condition and the issue that prompts a diagnosis.  

What is the treatment path for PCOS?

Since there is no known cause of PCOS treatment options focus on the management of individual symptoms.

If you are trying to get pregnant, some medications can promote ovulation. You can also have a procedure that alters the tissues in your ovaries to slow androgen production. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a great path to motherhood for some women. 

If you are not planning to get pregnant, a great way to restore healthier hormonal balance is by taking certain birth control pills or using another hormonal birth control option like patches, injections, or an intrauterine device (IUD). There are also medications that can block androgen effects or change how your body uses insulin. 

There is a clear link between obesity and PCOS. If you are carrying excess weight, making meaningful lifestyle modifications can go a long way toward improving your symptoms. 

If you would like to discuss the management of PCOS in detail, please call Markidan Gynecology and Women’s Health today to schedule a visit.