Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10 million women in the world. This often misunderstood disorder can cause a number of symptoms that can affect the body both physically and emotionally, and is a leading cause of female infertility.
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or are suffering from the below symptoms and suspect you may have it, our expert team of women’s health providers at Rochester Regional Health is here for you. Learn more about the condition below and find a provider near you who can help.
What is PCOS?
Because it is classified as a “syndrome,” PCOS is characterized by a group of symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation. While there can be many symptoms associated with the disorder, the three main traits of PCOS are:
- Excess levels of male hormones (androgens): The ovaries produce more androgens (ie. testosterone, androstenedione) than normal, which can result in abnormal hair growth and acne.
- Irregular, prolonged, or skipped periods: Due to the hormonal imbalance experienced in PCOS, the follicles normally responsible for releasing an egg every month don’t mature or get released. Without normal ovulation, the uterus may not shed its lining on a regular cycle, which can result in irregular or missed periods.
- Cysts in the ovaries: The word “polycystic” literally translates to “many cysts." Previously the finding of multiple small cysts in the ovary was considered diagnostic of PCOS. We now know that this happens normally during many periods of a woman’s life.
PCOS Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
The exact cause of PCOS isn't known, but factors that may lead to it include:
- Heredity: Research suggests that certain genes may be linked to PCOS and it could be passed down in families.
- Excess Androgens (?Male Hormones?): The ovaries produce higher levels of androgens, which can lead to abnormal hair growth, hair thinning, and acne.
- Excess Insulin: Excess insulin production may also be responsible for the increase in androgen production.
- Stress & Environmental Factors: External factors, like diet, exercise and exposure to pollutants may also play a role in the development of PCOS.
- Low-Grade Inflammation: Women with PCOS may have a type of low-grade inflammation that causes ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens, leading to a hormonal imbalance.
Many women first begin noticing the signs and symptoms of PCOS around the time of their first menstrual period during puberty, but because symptoms may not be severe at first or may be attributed to other causes, it can often go undiagnosed for some time.
Infertility issues may be the first recognized sign of PCOS for women, so many women are not diagnosed until their 20s and 30s, while trying to get pregnant.
Overall, the signs and symptoms of PCOS vary between women, and tend to be more severe in obese patients. The symptoms typically noticed by patients include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Acne or other skin changes
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Excessive facial or body hair
- Infertility issues
- Unexplained weight gain
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Pelvic pain
- Sleep problems
If you are displaying symptoms of PCOS, your provider may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis, which could include:
- Physical exam: Checking for signs of abnormal hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance
- Pelvic exam: A manual inspection of the reproductive organs for abnormalities
- Blood tests: Your blood may be tested for glucose, cholesterol, and to measure the level of androgens in your system
- Ultrasound: An imaging test may be recommended so the doctor can assess the ovaries? appearance and check for multiple cysts
At this time, there is no cure for PCOS, but there are a number of different treatments available to help reduce the symptoms of PCOS and prevent additional complications from occurring. Some regularly recommended treatments include:
- Hormonal birth control / oral contraceptives: If you are not seeking to become pregnant, hormonal birth control (which contains estrogen and progestin) can help by decreasing the level of androgens in the body. This helps to regulate periods, control excess hair growth and acne, and may even protect the inner lining of the uterus against abnormal cell growth.
- Metformin: If increased insulin production is an issue, this drug may be recommended. Typically prescribed to patients with diabetes, Metformin makes the body more sensitive to insulin and can help lower elevated blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and in turn, decrease androgen levels.
- Ovulation induction: If dealing with PCOS-related infertility issues, your doctor may recommend the use of ovulation induction with clomiphene or letrozole, which are oral medications intended to induce ovulation.
- Lifestyle changes: As with many disorders, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on the symptoms of PCOS. Healthy nutrition and regular physical activity are important for decreasing inflammation and insulin levels that contribute to ovarian dysfunction as well as reducing the long term risks of PCOS. Additionally, if you are a smoker, quitting can help lower androgen levels.
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted above, especially irregular periods, unexplained infertility, or abnormal hair growth and acne, you should keep track of your symptoms and contact a physician who is trained in recognizing and treating the disorder.
At Rochester Regional Health, we have a number of providers located conveniently throughout the Rochester, Batavia, and Clifton Springs areas who can help you find a solution.
