PCOS - Hormone Health Center

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth known as hirsutism, and acne.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often involves a hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS frequently have higher than normal levels of androgens (male hormones), like testosterone. They may also have higher levels of insulin, due to insulin resistance. The interaction of elevated androgens and insulin likely plays a key role in the development of PCOS symptoms.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual periods - Menstrual irregularities occur in nearly all women with PCOS to some degree. Some women have very heavy bleeding during their periods.
• Excess hair growth - More than 70% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism or excess hair on the face, chest, back, or buttocks.
• Acne - Acne affects over half of women with PCOS. It occurs due to excess androgen production.
• Weight gain - Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Excess weight exacerbates PCOS symptoms.
• Infertility - PCOS is the most common cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed based on a combination of signs/symptoms, lab tests, and imaging. Your doctor will check for irregular periods, evidence of excess hair growth or acne, and may order blood tests to measure hormones like testosterone, DHEA-S, or insulin. An ultrasound may be done to examine the ovaries - women with PCOS often have many small follicles lining the outer edges, giving the ovaries a classic “string of pearls” appearance.

If you're experiencing potential symptoms of PCOS like missed periods or excess hair growth, I recommend getting checked out by a hormone health specialist like those at Hormone Health Center. Their expert physicians can help diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and craft a personalized treatment plan involving medication, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you take back control of your health.

What is the treatment for PCOS?

There is no “cure” for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle modifications and/or medications:

• Weight loss - Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly improve PCOS symptoms like excess hair growth, infertility, and insulin resistance.
• Medications - Birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone, and other medications can help regulate menstrual cycles, treat hirsutism/acne, and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Supplements - Inositol, berberine, omega-3 fatty acids, and other supplements may provide additional benefit for regulating menstrual cycles, promoting fertility, aiding weight loss, and reducing inflammation associated with PCOS.
• Stress management - Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms. Activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, and spending time outdoors can help manage stress.

The key is finding an individualized approach that addresses each woman's specific PCOS symptoms and goals, whether that's achieving pregnancy, improving hirsutism, or losing weight through lifestyle changes with support from compassionate providers like Hormone Health Center. Their exceptional team of nurses, nutritionists, and clinicians can provide science-based care anchored in understanding, empathy, and hope - schedule a consultation today.