Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that often goes undiagnosed, yet can significantly impact a woman’s reproductive health and overall well-being throughout her lifetime. It is a hormone disorder that affects as many as five million people in the U.S.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Overview

PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects the hormonal balance in millions of women worldwide. It often presents symptoms such as irregular periods, hormonal imbalances that result in hair growth on your face and body, cysts on the ovaries, and possible fertility challenges.

With PCOS, small fluid-filled sacs called cysts develop along the outer surface of the ovary. The cysts contain immature eggs that are called follicles, which fail to regularly release eggs.

How Advantia Health Can Help

Recognizing that PCOS symptoms are not solely related to fertility concerns is important. The effects of PCOS extend beyond the reproductive system, often leading to symptoms such as fatigue and bloating and potentially leading to serious complications. These health problems can greatly affect your daily life. Having a personalized strategy with your provider to address them is crucial for managing the condition.

Patients deserve tailored care that goes beyond conventional approaches. Advantia Health providers offer supportive and knowledgeable care for PCOS.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

Not all women with PCOS show symptoms, which means some may not discover they have the condition until they are trying to conceive. Additionally, not all people with ovarian cysts have PCOS. While the exact causes are unknown, having a family history of PCOS, rapid weight gain and being overweight have shown to be risk factors for PCOS, and obesity can worsen complications.

Common symptoms, which often begin at the time of the first menstrual period, include:

Excess hair growth
Abnormal acne
Irregular menstrual cycles
Weight gain
Ovarian cysts
Mood changes

Typically, people need to exhibit two out of three specific signs to confirm a PCOS diagnosis. These signs include irregular periods, elevated levels of the hormone androgen, and having polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. A blood test can be used to measure hormone levels, and ultrasound can show whether you have cysts.

Serious complications for those with PCOS may also include:

Infertility
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Sleep apnea
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke

Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar, and the resistance is what increases diabetes risk. Metabolic Syndrome increases the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as diabetes.

Management Strategies for PCOS

PCOS is a condition that requires lifelong management. Traditionally, healthcare providers might prescribe birth control pills to regulate periods and manage excess androgens. However, PCOS care extends beyond this, requiring attention to diverse symptoms and implications. Doctors may prescribe additional medication to induce ovulation for individuals trying to conceive.

Recognizing that there are numerous strategies and treatment options available to address the symptoms of PCOS is important. Natural treatment options are increasingly gaining attention in PCOS management. Supplements, weight management and dietary changes along with medications such as metformin have shown promise in addressing metabolic issues associated with PCOS. These choices show the increasing focus on overall care for PCOS, looking at health effects beyond just fertility issues.

Increasing physical activity and losing weight can also help you lower the risk of complications and manage PCOS symptoms.

Specialized Care for PCOS

Gynecologists are part of the care team that can assist with diagnosis and management of PCOS and its complications. Endocrinologists, who specialize in hormonal disorders, and infertility specialists may also be involved in a treatment plan. An early diagnosis can help you reduce the risk of long-term health problems and manage your symptoms.

The providers at Advantia Health are here to answer your frequently asked questions about women’s health, including concerns about PCOS, pregnancy and related conditions. Contact Advantia to book an appointment if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above.