Navigating PCOS: Knowing the Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder that affects reproductive-age women. According to the Office on Women’s Health PCOS affects 1 in 10 women. However, even though this is a common disorder it remains not well known. In this blog, you will take a look at the causes, symptoms, and management options for PCOS. As noted and recommended by the Office of Women’s Health and the Mayo Clinic.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine disorder. This disorder is noted to cause a hormonal imbalance. Which causes irregular menstrual cycles and causes cysts in your ovaries. These cysts are often small. They are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within your ovaries. Thus affecting your ovary's ability to function.

  • Hormonal Imbalance: If you have PCOS often have higher levels of androgens. Androgens are a male sex hormone. Women typically have these in small amounts unless they have PCOS. This imbalance can mess with the function of your ovaries. This leads to you having irregular periods. As well as having a hard time with ovulation.
  • Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, your cells may become resistant to the effects of insulin. This causes your pancreas to make more insulin in your body. With the hope to keep normal blood sugar levels. Having higher insulin can push your ovaries to make more androgens.
  • Genetics: Research has shown that PCOS often runs in families as well.

 

Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOS can vary among women. However, the common signs and symptoms include the following:

  1. Irregular menstrual cycles or not menstruating at all.
  2. A lot of hair growth on the face and chest.
  3. Acne or oily skin.
  4. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
  5. Thinning hair or the loss of hair in chunks.
  6. Darkening of skin. Usually around skin folds like the neck, groin, or underneath breasts.

Management of PCOS

Sadly there is no cure for PCOS. Although, there are different treatment options to help manage the symptoms and improve overall health. Some treatments include:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help with PCOS. You can do things like keeping a balanced diet, exercising, and managing your stress. Doing all three of these things helps with managing symptoms of PCOS.
  • Medications: Birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives have been noted to help. When these are prescribed by your doctor they can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Also helps lower androgen levels and helps with excess hair growth and acne.

Depending on what symptoms you are struggling with there are different forms of managing PCOS. Talk to your healthcare provider about what symptoms plague the most and they can create a plan for you to combat the symptoms.

Visit Clinicas

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can have a great impact on your health and well-being. By understanding the signs you can work with your healthcare provider to create personalized treatment plans. That addresses your unique needs and that can improve the quality of your life. If you think you may have PCOS or are having symptoms that connect with this condition, do not hesitate to seek guidance from your OB/GYN. Schedule an appointment at Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to see one of the OB/GYN Care providers. Clinicas has a dedicated team of providers who are here to support you on every step of your journey to better health.