PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. An estimated 5-10% of women have PCOS, making it one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age.

The key features of PCOS include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods: Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Many women have fewer than eight periods per year or cycles lasting more than 35 days.


• Excess androgen levels: PCOS involves excess production of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone. High androgen levels lead to symptoms like facial hair growth, acne, and thinning hair.


• Polycystic ovaries: PCOS gets its name from the multiple small cysts that develop in the ovaries. The cysts form when eggs mature within follicles but are not released through ovulation.

While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS appears to stem from complex hormonal imbalances. Insulin resistance, inflammation, genetics, and excess androgen production all play a role in the development of PCOS.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In addition to the key diagnostic features, PCOS has a variety of other signs and symptoms:

• Acne


• Weight gain and obesity


• Male pattern baldness


• Skin tags


• Darkening of skin (acanthosis nigricans)


• Depression and mood changes

The wide range of PCOS symptoms reflects the complex nature of hormone imbalances driving this condition. The severity of symptoms also varies significantly among women with PCOS.

Getting Diagnosed

If you suspect you may have PCOS based on irregular periods, hormone-related symptoms, or new-onset fertility problems, see your doctor or gynecologist.

There is no single definitive test for PCOS. Your doctor will perform a history and physical exam and run bloodwork to measure hormone levels. Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries may reveal the classic "string of pearls" appearance caused by small ovarian cysts.

Often multiple criteria are used to conclusively diagnose PCOS:

• Irregular menstrual cycles


• High androgen levels


• Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound

Proper diagnosis is crucial, as PCOS puts women at higher risk for several health problems including infertility, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and endometrial cancer. Lifestyle changes and treatment can help manage PCOS symptoms and reduce adverse outcomes.

For personalized care from reproductive endocrinology specialists, visit Balance Health Clinic(). Our compassionate providers partner with women to understand their hormone health and develop tailored PCOS treatment plans.

Treatment Options

Treatment for PCOS focuses both on managing symptoms and reducing long-term health risks. Common treatment options include:

• Lifestyle modifications like weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise


• Birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles


• Fertility medications like clomiphene to induce ovulation


• Insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin to treat insulin resistance


• Anti-androgens like spironolactone to reduce excess androgens

Treatment needs to be individualized based on each woman's goals, such as treating hirsutism, regulating cycles, achieving pregnancy, or improving metabolic health.

While there is no “cure” for PCOS, early intervention and proactive management are important to minimize symptoms and prevent complications. With the right lifestyle changes and medical treatments tailored to their needs, many women with PCOS can effectively manage their condition.