PCOS

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that causes the ovaries — a pair of female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones — to create excess androgens, a type of sex hormone. There are now understood to be four types of PCOS with their own unique profiles, so lab results may be different in women with different PCOS types.

The increase in androgens results in a hormone imbalance, triggering various symptoms that can affect your reproductive health and quality of life. 

PCOS is one of the main causes of female infertility and can also increase the risk of other medical conditions, including obesity and blood sugar imbalances. However, diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications and other negative outcomes.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Abnormal hair growth
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Darkening of the skin
• Skin tags
• Thinning hair
• Infertility
• Insulin resistance

Additionally, PCOS affects the ovaries. Many women with the condition have cysts that cause the ovaries to swell or develop follicles (small, fluid-filled sacs).

When should I seek professional help for PCOS?

Make an appointment at The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC, if you have any symptoms of PCOS. The condition presents similar side effects to other hormone-related issues, like thyroid disease, so testing is crucial to confirm your diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

How is PCOS treated?

The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC, team takes an integrative and conservative approach to treating PCOS. Your provider could recommend:

• Hormonal birth control to help regulate your menstrual cycle
• Insulin-sensitizing medication to help your body process insulin
• Prescription medications that block androgens
• Drugs to induce ovulation if you want to preserve your fertility

Lifestyle changes are also necessary. For example, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce insulin resistance and help prevent you from developing diabetes. For women with PCOS, losing weight can be a tremendous challenge, but at The Alpine Center, we have a wide range of services to assist with this and help achieve weight loss goals.

Most women benefit from several types of treatments. Your provider monitors you at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan as needed to reduce uncomfortable side effects and improve your quality of life. 

Will PCOS prevent me from getting pregnant?

PCOS could affect your ability to get pregnant. If you want to start a family, your provider works with you to develop a personalized fertility plan. Depending on your needs, they may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist for in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Contact The Alpine Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, PC, if you suspect you have PCOS. Call the office or request contact from our office via the online form today.