What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormone disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. Some key facts about PCOS:
- It affects 10-20% of women and is one of the leading causes of infertility. Up to 60% of women with PCOS struggle with fertility issues.
- The three main features of PCOS are:
- Irregular or missed menstrual cycles
- High levels of androgens ("male" hormones) like testosterone - This causes symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and thinning hair.
- Polycystic ovaries - ovaries that have a characteristic "string of pearls" look on ultrasound with multiple small follicles along the outer edge. The term "polycystic" can be misleading though - the follicles are actually not true cysts.
What causes PCOS? The exact cause is unknown but it seems to run in families. Risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation also play a role in its development and severity.
Some other key points about PCOS:
- PCOS is a "syndrome" - a collection of signs and symptoms. Not all women have the same features or all three main criteria.
- Diagnosis is usually made by medical history, physical exam, blood tests (for androgen and insulin levels) and ultrasound. Often glucose tolerance testing and endometrial biopsy are also done.
- Treatment focuses on managing symptoms that are most bothersome - like irregular cycles, hirsutism, acne, hair loss and infertility. Lifestyle modifications like exercise, diet and weight loss are first line treatments, combined with medications that improve insulin sensitivity or control androgens when needed.
- If not properly managed, PCOS can lead to problems like diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer. So ongoing monitoring and screening are crucial, especially if TTC.
If you're struggling with bothersome PCOS symptoms or fertility challenges, consider making an appointment with Hormone Optimal Care Honest Hormone Clinic. Our medical team specializes in holistic and integrative hormone therapies tailored to your unique hormonal imbalance and health goals - such as achieving regular cycles, clearing skin, normalizing weight, and supporting fertility. We also provide cutting-edge treatments like ovarian PRP therapy, which utilizes your own plasma to rejuvenate ovaries, promote regular ovulation/cycles and support egg quality.
We know how frustrating and isolating PCOS can be. You don't need to manage this alone! Our compassionate, patient-centered approach aims to understand YOU as a whole person, not just treat your PCOS. Let's start balancing your hormones and getting you on the path toward living your healthiest, happiest life!