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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related medical condition that can have serious effects on the female body and her sexual health. Although the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, there are several possible known risk factors that can aid in early diagnosis and treatment to limit the risk of long-term complications.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that often begins to show symptoms around a young woman’s first menstrual period. Symptoms include irregular periods, either having cycles that last too long or occur too infrequently, along with unwanted hair growth or unwanted facial hair, and polycystic ovaries that appear enlarged on imaging. Because PCOS is closely tied to women’s health, it may also be influenced by hormone levels that fluctuate due to genetics, insulin resistance, or low-grade inflammation.
Diagnosis often involves blood tests to assess hormone balance and rule out other conditions. In addition to medical treatment, adopting lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise, and stress management can help you maintain a healthy weight and regulate menstrual cycles. Some patients also explore laser hair removal to address excessive hair growth caused by elevated androgens.
PCOS can lead to serious medical concerns like infertility, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining), and metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and irregular cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For those who become pregnant while managing PCOS, risks include miscarriage, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy.
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How is PCOS Treated?
Your doctor may first recommend weight loss with a low-calorie diet and exercise. There are also several weight loss medications we can prescribe to aid in your weight loss progress. Losing weight can improve the effectiveness of medications and lower the risk of infertility. Certain medications that can improve an irregular menstrual cycle resulting from PCOS include hormonal birth control pills and progesterone hormone therapy.
Schedule a Consultation
We encourage women with PCOS to schedule a consultation today to get started on their path to wellness.
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Schedule a consultation with Lakefront Wellness online or call us at 901-295-0036,
