PCOS is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The egg produced by a polycystic ovary may not develop as it should, or may not be released during ovulation as it should be often causing the woman to become less fertile.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The egg produced by a polycystic ovary may not develop as it should, or may not be released during ovulation as it should be often causing the woman to become less fertile.
PCOS affects women and girls during their childbearing years and if you have signs or symptoms, they’ll usually become apparent during your late teens or early 20s. Many women suffer the symptoms of PCOS without support or medical intervention and many women may show no signs at all, making it difficult to estimate how many women have PCOS. It is believed that approximately 10% of women in the UK and USA are affected by PCOS.
The three main features of PCOS are fluid-filled sacs (cysts) within the ovaries, irregular or missed periods, and high levels of the “male” hormone androgen. A woman who has at least two of these symptoms may be diagnosed with PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS include
- Irregular menstruation or no menstruation.
- Polycystic ovaries – enlarged ovaries that contain multiple sacs filled with fluid.
- Hirsutism – excess body or facial hair as a result of high levels of the hormone androgen.
- Weight gain.
- Infertility.
- Acne – facial, chest or upper back.
- Headaches.
- Insulin resistance.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Localized darkening of the skin – dark patches of skin such as in body creases, the neck, around the groin or under the breasts.
Causes
The exact reasons that women suffer PCOS are not known, but we do know that if you’re overweight, your chances of developing PCOS are greater. Your genes play a role too, if your sister has PCOS you’re more likely to have it.
Treating PCOS
At this point in time there isn’t a cure for PCOS. That being said, once a woman is diagnosed with PCOS there are options for treatment. Once diagnosed, a patient and her doctor can discuss options for treating symptoms. Treatments for PCOS may include:
- Fertility medication and/or contraception to treat irregular periods or fertility issues.
- Medication for excessive hair growth.
- Lifestyle and diet changes to ensure a balanced, healthy diet and/or weight management.
- Surgical procedures.
OceanMed’s OB/GYN’s work with patients to diagnose and treat an assortment of gynecological and menstrual conditions, including PCOS. If you or someone you know is suffering from any of these symptoms, we encourage making an appointment with an OB/GYN to discuss your symptoms in order to diagnose it and develop a treatment plan.