What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. Some key facts about PCOS:
- PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism - high levels of male hormones like testosterone
- It can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne
- PCOS often causes small cysts to form on the ovaries
- It is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as:
- Insulin resistance - Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Many women with PCOS have some insulin resistance, which causes higher insulin levels. This can increase androgen production.
- Inflammation - Chronic, low-grade inflammation may play a role in PCOS development.
- Abnormal fetal development - Exposure to high androgen levels in the womb may "program" the fetus to develop PCOS later in life.
Overall, researchers believe that PCOS arises from complex interactions between these and other factors.
PCOS Symptoms and Complications
Common PCOS symptoms include:
- Irregular periods - This results from lack of ovulation (anovulation)
- Excess hair growth (hirsutism) - Caused by high testosterone levels
- Acne - Also related to androgen excess
- Weight gain - Typical with insulin resistance
- Thinning hair and male-pattern baldness - Due to hormone imbalances
PCOS also raises the risk for serious long-term health issues like diabetes, endometrial cancer, heart disease, and infertility.
So getting an accurate PCOS diagnosis and treatment plan is essential! If you suspect you may have PCOS, consider getting your hormone levels tested at Vitality Hormone Clinic. Our compassionate physicians specialize in hormonal conditions like PCOS, using evidence-based protocols to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and minimize future complications.
Diagnosing PCOS
There's no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will carry out a full evaluation, which may include:
- Medical history and physical exam, checking for symptoms
- Pelvic exam to examine ovaries and uterus
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH, etc.)
- Ultrasound to check ovarian cysts
The diagnosis is based on at least 2 of 3 key findings:
- Irregular periods/lack of ovulation
- High androgen levels (seen on blood tests or symptoms)
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Other conditions that can mimic PCOS like Cushing's syndrome may need to be ruled out as well.
Treating PCOS - Lifestyle Changes & Medications
While there's no "cure" for PCOS, symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle modifications and medications:
Lifestyle Changes:
- Weight loss - This can help restore normal hormone levels and ovulation. Even losing 5-10% of body weight makes a big difference!
- Nutritional optimization - Eating a PCOS-friendly diet lower in carbs and higher in lean protein.
- Exercise - 30 mins daily helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Medications:
- Birth control pills - Can regulate cycles and suppress androgens
- Metformin - An insulin-sensitizing drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Fertility medications like clomiphene may be used for infertility treatment
The physicians at Vitality Hormone Clinic specialize in cutting-edge, integrative protocols to effectively regulate hormones, manage PCOS symptoms, restore fertility, and reduce future health risks. Contact us today to see how our personalized programs can help transform your health!