What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, sometimes called polycystic ovarian syndrome or just PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. This disorder happens when your body produces more male hormones than normal.
The hormonal imbalance causes problems in your ovaries, which may lead to irregular or missed periods. When you have PCOS, your ovaries may not release an egg every month during ovulation. This makes PCOS one of the most common, yet treatable, causes of female infertility.
Who gets PCOS?
PCOS affects between 5%-10% of women of childbearing age (about 15-44 years old). You can get PCOS at any age following puberty, but most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s when they have difficulty getting pregnant.
All women are prone to PCOS, but your risk may be higher if you’re obese or have a family history of PCOS.
What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS symptoms vary from woman to woman, but they often include noticeable changes to your body or menstrual cycle. Common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular, unpredictable menstrual periods
- Skipped or infrequent periods
- Periods that occur too frequently
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Excess hair on the face, chest, or abdomen
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Oily or acne-prone skin
- Patches of thickened, darkened skin
- Multiple fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, on the ovaries
- Trouble getting pregnant, or infertility
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are other common symptoms of PCOS. Up to 80% of women with PCOS are obese.
How do you diagnose and treat PCOS?
First, your provider at Mott Women Healthcare performs a physical exam and thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history. To determine whether you have PCOS, they may perform one or more of the following tests:
- Pelvic exam to check for enlarged ovaries
- Ultrasound imaging to look for ovarian cysts
- Blood tests to check your hormone levels
Then, they discuss the best treatment options for your particular condition. Depending on your needs, treatment for PCOS may include:
- Weight loss with healthy eating and exercise
- Treatments to remove or reduce unwanted hair
- Hormonal birth control, such as an IUD
- Medicines to block the effects of male hormones
If you suspect you have PCOS, don’t hesitate to call Mott Women Healthcare or book an appointment online today.
