PCOS - Restore Health Clinic

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PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. It can cause a variety of symptoms including irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, weight gain, acne, and ovulation problems that can cause infertility.

What causes PCOS? The exact cause is unknown, but it often runs in families. Experts think it may be linked to high levels of hormones called androgens. Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of testosterone than other women. High androgen levels can prevent ovaries from releasing an egg regularly, which can cause cysts to form on the ovaries.

What are the symptoms of PCOS? Symptoms often start around the time of the first period, but can develop later on. Common signs include:

• Irregular periods - This includes cycles that are longer than 35 days or fewer than 8 periods per year
• Excess hair growth - Extra hair on the face, chest, belly, thumbs, or toes
• Weight gain - Women with PCOS tend to carry extra weight in their belly and upper body
• Acne - Signs can include pimples, blackheads, or oily skin
• Hair loss - Thinning hair or balding spots on the scalp
• Darkening skin - Patches of skin can become thicker and darker, like on the neck, groin, or underneath breasts

How is PCOS diagnosed? There's no single test for PCOS. Your doctor will likely do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also order blood tests to check hormone levels as well as an ultrasound to examine your ovaries.

What health problems are linked to PCOS? Women with this condition are more likely to develop serious health conditions later on such as:

• Diabetes - Up to 10% of women with PCOS will get this disease
• High blood pressure - Occurs in more than 30% of PCOS cases
• High cholesterol - Comes from higher testosterone interacting with cholesterol metabolites
• Endometrial cancer - Caused by exposure of the uterine lining to estrogen without progesterone
• Metabolic syndrome - Group of risk factors (high blood pressure, blood sugar, body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels) that increase risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke

What treatments are available? Lifestyle changes should be the first line of treatment, but medications may also help manage symptoms.

Lifestyle changes: Weight loss through diet and exercise helps reduce insulin and androgen levels. Even losing 5% of your body weight can help regulate menstrual cycles. Quitting smoking and reducing stress is also recommended.

Medications: Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like excess hair growth and acne. Other medicines like metformin or clomiphene may be prescribed to improve ovulation. Procedures like laser hair removal or electrolysis can also provide relief for some women.

I hope this overview on PCOS from Restore Health Clinic gives you a better understanding of this complex disorder! Let me know if you have any other questions.