PCOS - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is estimated that PCOS affects 5-10% of women worldwide. The main signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles - this includes infrequent, prolonged, or absent periods. Menstrual abnormalities are one of the most common symptoms of PCOS.
• Excess androgen levels - women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens like testosterone. This can lead to symptoms like facial hair growth, acne, and male pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries - PCOS is characterized by ovaries that contain many small cysts. Women may have enlarged ovaries that are 2-5x the normal size.
• Infertility - due to irregular ovulation, many women with PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
• Obesity - up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. The excess weight, especially abdominal fat, contributes to other PCOS symptoms.
• Insulin resistance - insulin resistance and high insulin levels are frequent metabolic abnormalities seen in PCOS. This contributes to symptoms like weight gain, acne, and absent periods.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to hormonal imbalances and genetics. Women with PCOS often have excess androgens and insulin resistance that disrupt normal menstrual cycles and ovulation. There also appears to be a genetic component - PCOS tends to run in families.

Diagnosis is based on a combination of signs/symptoms, physical exam findings, lab tests, and ultrasound imaging of the ovaries. There are no definitive tests for PCOS. Key diagnostic criteria include:

Criteria	Description
Menstrual irregularities	Infrequent, prolonged, or absent periods
Hyperandrogenism	High androgen levels or related symptoms
Polycystic ovarian morphology	Many small cysts on ovaries seen on ultrasound

Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. Lifestyle modifications are first line treatments:

Treatment	Description
Weight loss	Losing excess weight can improve symptoms
Exercise	Regular physical activity can help manage PCOS
Dietary changes	A healthy, balanced diet can improve hormonal balance

Medications like birth control pills, anti-androgens, insulin sensitizers, and ovulation induction agents may also be used. Procedures like ovarian drilling can be options for some women.

If you think you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your doctor or visit a specialist like the team at Vitality Hormone Clinic. We can provide complete PCOS testing, create a customized treatment plan, and help you manage PCOS symptoms for better health. Our compassionate providers focus on smart, integrative care that addresses the root hormonal imbalances driving PCOS.

In conclusion, PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects many women. While there is no cure, proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect you have PCOS, don't hesitate to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process.