What is PCOS?
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, the most common being irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth (known as hirsutism), and acne.
PCOS arises from abnormalities in hormone levels - namely elevated androgens like testosterone. This causes the ovaries to produce an excessive number of follicles, which are undeveloped eggs. These follicles appear like cysts on an ultrasound, hence the name polycystic ovary syndrome.
Some key facts about PCOS:
- Caused by hormonal imbalances, primarily high androgen levels
- Leads to irregular/missed periods, acne, and excess hair growth
- 5-10% of women are affected
- Diagnosed based on symptoms, lab tests, and ultrasound
- Can be associated with infertility, metabolic syndrome, and endometrial cancer risk
Common Signs and Symptoms
Women with PCOS often experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Irregular periods - This is the most common symptom, with cycles that are infrequent, irregular, prolonged or absent.
- Excess androgen levels - Elevated male hormones like testosterone cause acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning.
- Acne - Androgens stimulate oil production, leading to breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back.
- Unwanted hair growth - Coarse dark hair in a male pattern on the lips, chin, chest, and abdomen.
- Hair loss - Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness due to high testosterone.
- Obesity - Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Excess weight exacerbates hormonal issues.
- Skin tags - These small skin growths can occur in skin folds of the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Darkening of skin - Patches of skin may become darker, often in body folds like the neck, groin, and underarms.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but various factors contribute to the development of the condition:
- Heredity - PCOS runs in families and often occurs in daughters of women with PCOS. Genetics play a strong role.
- Excess androgen production - The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgens like testosterone. This disrupts normal menstrual cycles.
- Insulin resistance - Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body cannot use insulin effectively. This results in elevated insulin levels which increase androgen production.
- Inflammation - Low-grade chronic inflammation may contribute to elevated androgens and other PCOS symptoms.
- Obesity - Excess weight exacerbates hormone imbalance and other PCOS symptoms. Even a modest weight loss can help restore normal menstrual cycles.
Diagnosis and Testing
PCOS is diagnosed based on a combination of:
- Medical history - Assessing symptoms like irregular cycles, hair growth, and acne.
- Physical exam - Looking for signs of hirsutism, acne, hair loss, and skin changes.
- Pelvic exam - Checking for cysts on the ovaries.
- Blood tests - Measuring hormone levels including testosterone, DHEA-S, prolactin, FSH, and LH. Thyroid tests may also be done.
- Transvaginal ultrasound - An ultrasound can detect numerous small follicles on the ovaries caused by PCOS.
Other tests like glucose tolerance testing may be done to assess insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for PCOS, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications:
- Weight loss - Losing even 10% of body weight can help restore normal hormone levels and menstrual cycles.
- Healthy diet - Eating a balanced low-glycemic diet helps control blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Exercise - Regular activity helps manage weight, lowers insulin resistance, and relieves symptoms.
- Birth control - Oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce excess hair growth and acne by lowering androgens.
- Androgen blockers - Medications like spironolactone can reduce hair growth, acne, and hair loss.
- Metformin - This diabetes drug helps lower insulin levels and may restore ovulation.
- Fertility treatments - Ovulation-inducing agents like clomiphene may be used alongside metformin to aid conception.
- Surgery - Laparoscopic ovarian drilling can help induce ovulation in some cases.
If you're struggling with bothersome symptoms of PCOS, the hormone experts at Hormone Wellness Clinic can help get to the root cause with advanced testing and personalized treatment plans. Their cutting-edge therapies and holistic approach help women with PCOS finally feel their best again. Reach out for a consult today to learn more!
In summary, PCOS is a challenging but manageable hormonal condition affecting many women. While symptoms can be difficult to deal with, the right combination of lifestyle changes and treatment can help get hormones back in balance. Work with your doctor or specialists like Hormone Wellness Clinic to find an effective PCOS management plan tailored to your specific needs. With patience and consistency, you can overcome PCOS and thrive!