What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a women’s health condition caused by a hormonal imbalance. Many women with PCOS experience irregular or infrequent periods, while others have heavy, prolonged periods.
During a normal menstrual cycle, a woman releases an egg during ovulation. If you have PCOS, you may have difficulties releasing that egg regularly, leading to some health concerns, including infertility.
What causes PCOS?
While experts don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, the following factors may play a role in your risk of developing the condition:
Genetics
Women’s health experts believe PCOS is an inherited condition. Your chances of having it are far greater if your mother or sister also has PCOS.
Androgen levels
Androgens, or male hormones, control the development of male traits, such as excess facial and body hair growth and male-pattern baldness. Women with high androgen levels are more susceptible to PCOS, as it can prevent the regular release of an egg during your menstrual cycle.
Insulin levels
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance caused by high insulin levels. Women with PCOS are at a greater risk of type 2 diabetes if they are also overweight, have unhealthy eating habits, or do not exercise regularly.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
An irregular menstrual cycle is the most obvious sign of PCOS in women of reproductive age.
Other common PCOS symptoms include:
- Cystic acne
- Skin tags
- Ovarian cysts
- Skin darkening
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Excess facial hair and hair around the body
- Male-pattern baldness
- Thinning hair
- Bloating
In addition to the above symptoms, PCOS can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Infertility
- Sleep apnea
- Endometrial cancer
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
If you’re worried about PCOS, contact the expert physicians at Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Your Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists physician reviews your medical history and performs a full physical exam to check for signs of PCOS before making a diagnosis. In addition, they may perform an ultrasound or pelvic exam, for signs of PCOS.
How is PCOS treated?
In many cases, moderate weight loss can significantly reduce your PCOS symptoms if you are overweight. Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists recommends a low-calorie diet and routine exercise to alleviate your symptoms.
In addition to lifestyle changes, your physician may recommend:
Hormonal birth control
Birth control pills can help decrease the production of androgen and regulate your estrogen levels, reducing excess hair growth, acne, and abnormal bleeding, while lowering your risk of endometrial cancer.
Progestin therapy
Progestin therapy can help regulate your periods when taken for 10-14 days every month or two.
Ovulation medication
There are many medications Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists can prescribe to stimulate regular ovulation.
If you have PCOS, you don’t have to suffer alone. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic or book online today.
We see patients for ultrasounds, pregnancy, birth control, and much more. We are located at 215 Radio Drive, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125. Call us to book your appointment today.
