PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, occurs when your adrenal glands or ovaries produce more male hormones than they are supposed to. The condition causes fluid-filled sacs called cysts, to grow on your ovaries. One in 10 women of childbearing age experiences PCOS.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The severity of PCOS varies, as everybody is different. Common symptoms of the disease include:

• Infertility
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Abnormal bleeding
• Weight gain
• Patches of thickened skin
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Excess hair growth on your chest, stomach, thighs, or face

PCOS is more common in women who are obese or have a family history of PCOS. If you experience one or more symptoms of PCOS, check in with your doctor to find out if you have the disease and discuss treatment options. 

What are the complications of PCOS?

The cause of PCOS isn’t entirely clear. If you have PCOS, your risk of diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure is higher. Infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, sleep apnea, depression, and endometrial cancer can also occur as a result of PCOS.

What is the treatment for PCOS?

There’s no cure for PCOS, but treatments can help control symptoms and prevent complications associated with the disease. 

After reviewing your medical history, completing an exam, and completing an ultrasound or blood tests, your doctor might recommend the following PCOS treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Losing weight if you’re overweight, eating a healthy diet low in refined carbohydrates, and getting regular exercise helps control PCOS symptoms and complications.

Birth control

Taking birth control pills helps you experience normal periods, clears acne associated with PCOS, and reduces excess male hormone levels within your body.

Medications

Some medications help block the effects of too much androgen and excessive hair growth due to PCOS.

Infertility treatments

If you’d like to become pregnant but you have PCOS, your doctor might recommend infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, infertility medications, hormone injections, or surgery.

Don’t let unpleasant symptoms of PCOS ruin your quality of life or prevent you from becoming pregnant. Call Rockville Gynecology to schedule an appointment or use the online scheduler today.