PCOS - Harmony Hormone Care

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. Some key facts about PCOS:

• PCOS affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age.
• It is characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolism problems that lead to symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but these factors likely play a role:

• Insulin resistance - Many women with PCOS are resistant to the effects of insulin in their body. This causes more insulin to be produced, which further exacerbates symptoms.
• Inflammation - Chronic, low-grade inflammation may contribute to insulin resistance and other PCOS symptoms.
• Genetics - PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of PCOS stem from the hormonal imbalances and inflammation associated with the condition. Common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular periods - This includes infrequent, heavy, or prolonged periods. Some women also experience no periods at all due to lack of ovulation.
• Infertility - PCOS is the most common cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation.
• Weight gain - Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.
• Excess hair growth - Known as hirsutism, this affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.
• Hair loss - Thinning hair or balding is another common symptom.
• Acne - Acne affects many young women with PCOS.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out. PCOS is often misdiagnosed or undiscovered for years. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key for proper treatment.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for PCOS, various treatment options can help manage symptoms:

• Lifestyle changes - Losing weight, eating healthy, reducing stress, and exercising regularly may significantly improve symptoms.
• Birth control - Oral contraceptives help regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels.
• Fertility drugs - These drugs induce ovulation, which helps treat infertility issues.
• Anti-androgens - Medications that lower excess male hormones are sometimes prescribed.
• Metformin - This common diabetes drug also helps with PCOS by improving insulin resistance.

I hope this overview on PCOS - what causes it, its symptoms, and treatment options - helps provide some useful background information on this common but often misunderstood condition. Let me know if you have any other questions!