Talk to Your Doctor if You Have These PCOS Symptoms

It’s the middle of the month, you’re supposed to get your period but it never came. You take a pregnancy test and it’s negative. Maybe you and your partner have been trying for years to get pregnant too. Irregular periods, particularly missed periods, and infertility are two of the main indicators of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or (PCOS).

September is PCOS Month

This condition is a hormonal imbalance that causes women to have abnormally high levels of the male hormones called androgens. About 10 percent of women of childbearing age suffer from this reproductive disorder. It usually begins after puberty but many women aren’t aware they are afflicted by PCOS since the symptoms are often missed.

Although infertility is one of the major symptoms, there are many others that can cause discomfort pain and anxiety. To raise more awareness around this disorder, September has been designated as PCOS Awareness Month.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Recognizing the symptoms of PCOS is essential since early detection will lead to early diagnosis and a treatment plan. When not treated this condition can cause a range of complications from infertility and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure and endometrial cancer.

• Irregular Periods: Missed periods. No periods. Lighter or heavier flows depending on the month. Those are some symptoms that may indicate PCOS. This could range from every month to every couple of months or even every six months. These anomalies are caused by the absence of ovulation or irregular ovulation. When a woman is not getting her period every month the cells can multiply and potentially lead to cancer.
• Infertility: It makes sense that PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility since women with the condition aren’t ovulating regularly.
• Crazy Hormones: No, it’s not just you. Or your husband. Or your kids. PCOS can cause massive hormonal imbalances and fluctuations. A blood test will decipher if you have high levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone and will check estrogen levels. high, while levels of estrogen may be normal or high.
• Polycystic ovaries: These cysts can be detected with imaging tests, such as an ultrasound.
• Thinning hair and acne: These are two other symptoms that may signal PCOS.

Treatment For PCOS

Diet and exercise can help alleviate many of the symptoms of PCOS from infertility to hormonal imbalances. Studies have shown these lifestyle changes can lead to weight loss which can help with this condition.

If the woman isn’t trying to become pregnant birth control pills are often prescribed. Birth control pills lower androgen levels and protect the endometrium against abnormal cell growth. This medication can help control a variety of issues from regulating periods to curtailing excess hair growth and acne.

Some physicians may prescribe a medication called metformin. This medication helps lower blood glucose and insulin levels. It can also improve PCOS related issues with menstruation. Clomid is another oral medication commonly prescribed to induce ovulation, which is one of the main symptoms of PCOS.

If you’re dealing with any of these PCOS symptoms, contact Dr. Ghozland to set up a free consultation to discuss treatments options.