PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by multiple symptoms related to hormonal imbalances including:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles


• Excess androgen levels leading to symptoms like facial/body hair growth, acne, and scalp hair loss


• Ovarian cysts - small fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovaries


• Increased risk of other health problems like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, anxiety/depression etc.

While the exact cause is unknown, research shows that genetics plays a major role. Women with PCOS frequently have abnormal levels of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone as well as abnormalities in the balance of reproductive hormones.

Some key facts about PCOS:

• Usually diagnosed in women aged 15-44 years but can occur at any age after puberty


• Leading cause of infertility due to irregular ovulation/menstruation


• No cure yet but symptoms can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and treatments like birth control pills

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis is based on presence of 2 out of 3 key criteria:

• Irregular/absent periods


• Excess androgen levels - either symptoms or blood tests


• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

I highly recommend getting evaluated at Hormone Harmony Clinic() if you suspect PCOS based on your symptoms. Their expert women's health team provides advanced hormone testing and personalized treatment plans including lifestyle modification, medications, supplements and more.

Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing long term complications through:

• Weight loss and regular exercise to improve hormone balance


• Healthy nutrition with anti-inflammatory diet


• Stress management


• Birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles


• Fertility treatments like ovulation induction for conceiving

While challenging, PCOS is a manageable condition, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Significant symptom improvement and risk reduction is possible through commitment to treatment protocol. The future is hopeful too - more PCOS research translating to better insights and care!