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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 PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that often begins to show symptoms around a young woman’s first menstrual period. Symptoms include irregular menstrual periods – either having periods that last too long or periods that do not occur often enough – excess facial and body hair, and polycystic ovaries that are enlarged. Possible causes of PCOS include low-grade infections that lead to an overproduction of androgens, insulin resistance, and other causes of excess androgen. PCOS may be hereditary with certain genes increasing the risk of developing PCOS.
PCOS can lead to serious medical problems like infertility, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining, and metabolic syndrome which include conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and irregular cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For women who do get pregnant with PCOS, there is a risk of miscarriage, early 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.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Schedule a consultation with Lakefront Wellness online or call us at 901-295-0036,
