PCOS Treatment

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a condition involving hormonal imbalance. Your body manufactures many different hormones, some of which regulate fertility and your menstrual cycle.

Androgens

These hormones are found at higher levels in males, but they’re present in women as well. PCOS often involves higher-than-average levels of androgens.

Progesterone

This hormone helps regulate your menstrual cycle. Some women with PCOS don’t create sufficient levels of progesterone.

Insulin

This hormone manages your blood sugar. Women with PCOS don’t always have a normal reaction to insulin.

When these hormones are not properly balanced, your ovaries may not release an egg each month, or the egg could fail to develop properly.

What are some symptoms of PCOS?

Many women mistake the signs of PCOS for other conditions, and symptoms are not the same for every woman. These are some of the more common signs of PCOS:

• Hair growth in unusual places, including your chin, breasts, face, or stomach
• Hair loss on your head
• Acne or excessively oily skin
• Sleep disruptions
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Fertility issues
• Irregular periods

You are unlikely to experience all of these problems, and some may be more noticeable than others. Many women live with PCOS for years before they obtain an accurate diagnosis.

What are my treatment options for PCOS?

One of the primary reasons why women seek treatment for PCOS is to improve their chances of conceiving a child. With proper treatment, it’s possible to not only enhance your fertility but also to ward off some serious health problems associated with PCOS, like heart disease and diabetes.

Lifestyle modifications can make a world of difference for women with PCOS. Improving your diet, getting enough exercise, and ending unhealthy habits like smoking will boost your health.

Hormonal birth control is also a good way to manage PCOS. Hormones delivered via pills, shots, an IUD, skin patch, or vaginal ring can help regulate your periods. Hormonal therapy can also assist with unwanted hair growth and acne.

There are also medications that can help lower your insulin levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. Some of these drugs may also help you lose weight and improve your fertility.

Your specialist creates a customized treatment plan to suit your specific set of needs. Schedule an appointment online or by phone to begin treatment as soon as possible.