PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal condition that interferes with the normal function of your ovaries. Your ovaries should release a single egg cell in each menstrual cycle. The hormonal abnormalities of PCOS may trigger cyst growth on your ovaries, and it also leads to abnormal or absent egg cell development, which can interfere with your fertility. 

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS causes a variety of uncomfortable and distressing symptoms, including:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Excessive body and facial hair
• Acne
• Thinning hair on your scalp
• Weight gain or trouble losing weight
• Darkening skin in your groin, under your breasts, or in the creases of your neck
• Skin tags

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment at Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery to get diagnosis and treatment. 

What causes PCOS?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of PCOS. However, they believe your genetics and family history play a role in your risk. They also know that elevated androgen and insulin levels are typical in women with PCOS. 

While androgens are “male hormones,” women produce them in lower amounts. They control traditionally male traits like body hair and male pattern baldness. However, in women, elevated androgen levels disrupt ovulation and trigger unwanted hair growth and acne. 

Insulin is the hormone that regulates how your body converts blood sugar to energy. Women with PCOS usually have elevated levels of insulin, which indicates that you have insulin resistance, and your body doesn’t use the hormone correctly. It contributes to obesity and increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. 

How is PCOS diagnosed?

The team at Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery diagnoses PCOS with a physical exam, blood tests, and ultrasound. Blood tests reveal elevated hormone levels, and an ultrasound can show your provider if you have abnormal cysts or growths on your ovaries. 

How is PCOS treated?

If PCOS is the root cause of your symptoms, your doctor usually begins by recommending lifestyle changes. For example, they might recommend dietary changes, additional exercise, and other adjustments to help regulate your weight and metabolic processes. 

Depending on your needs, your doctor might also prescribe birth control, metformin, or clomiphene to restore your hormonal balance or stimulate ovulation. In severe cases, the team at Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery offers state-of-the-art surgical procedures to remove cysts or improve your ovarian function. 

Call Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery, or make an appointment online today, if you’re concerned about PCOS.