PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic health condition and the leading cause of infertility in women. It’s a hormonal condition that often goes undiagnosed. For many women, infertility struggles are what lead to a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. 

Your body produces a range of hormones, some of which regulate your menstrual cycle and affect fertility. The hormones associated with PCOS include insulin, androgens, and progesterone. If these hormones are out of balance, you may experience symptoms of PCOS. 

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Many PCOS symptoms are common, and you may just think they are a normal part of your life. Others are more troubling and might bring you to a women’s health specialist for a diagnostic exam. You can have many symptoms, or just a few, and your symptoms might remain relatively manageable most of the time with only occasional flare-ups. 

Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:

• Hair loss
• Hair growth in unusual places, like your face, hands, toes, breasts, or stomach
• Difficulty losing weight
• Oily skin and/or acne
• Persistent fatigue or sleep apnea
• Headaches
• Irregular periods
• Infertility

If these symptoms sound familiar, book an appointment with your doctor at Opulence Health and Wellness for a thorough diagnostic exam. Treating PCOS is important, as the condition increases your risk of developing diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and heart disease, all of which are life-threatening. 

What are my treatment options for PCOS?

One way to manage PCOS is through hormonal birth control. Methods such as pills, patches, shots, or rings can restore hormonal balance and decrease many troubling symptoms. Some women respond well to medication that lowers insulin levels. There are also options to adjust androgens and progestin. 

Lifestyle modifications are a powerful weapon in the fight against PCOS. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is a great place to start, and incorporating healthy activity levels and an improved diet go a long way toward helping you feel better. 

If you’re encountering fertility struggles, there are treatments that can help you achieve your goals of motherhood. Your doctor at Opulence Health and Wellness works with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your specific set of needs. 

To learn more about your treatment options for PCOS, schedule your appointment by calling the office or booking online today.