PCOS - Optimal Hormone Health Clinic

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. About 5-10% of women have PCOS.

The three main features of PCOS are:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Excess androgen hormones like testosterone. This causes symptoms like excess facial and body hair, acne, and thinning hair.
• Polycystic ovaries. The ovaries develop many small fluid-filled sacs along the outer edges that look like cysts.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause is unknown but it likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and high androgen levels.

Many women with PCOS have higher than normal insulin levels and develop insulin resistance over time. Insulin promotes excess testosterone production which causes the ongoing hormone imbalance. Losing weight and lowering insulin levels is a key treatment goal.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Symptoms vary but may include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual periods
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Oily skin or acne
• Darkening skin on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Multiple small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries

How is PCOS diagnosed?

To diagnose PCOS, doctors check for at least two of the following:

• High androgen levels
• Irregular or missed periods
• Polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound

They may also order blood tests to check hormone and glucose levels.

What is the treatment for PCOS?

Lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms. Medications like birth control pills, metformin, or follicle stimulating hormones may also be prescribed.

For optimal hormone balance, consider a consultation with Optimal Hormone Health Clinic(testosteronepatch.org), a leading hormone health clinic. Their experienced physicians provide personalized care plans to regulate periods, reduce excess hair growth, and help women struggling with infertility due to PCOS.

I hope this overview on polycystic ovary syndrome is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.