Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 4-12% of women, putting them at risk for infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, facial hair growth. Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, in Dunwoody, Georgia, provides personalized care for women of all ages who struggle with hormonal imbalances and symptoms of PCOS. To get a thorough evaluation and customized treatment, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in women who have high levels of insulin, which in turn causes unusually high levels of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone.
Women’s bodies typically produce a small amount of testosterone. When androgen levels rise above average, your ovaries can’t function normally, and ovulation stops or becomes irregular.
Women with PCOS have at least two of three primary symptoms:
Abnormal uterine bleeding includes heavy periods, no periods, and irregular periods, which are also called metrorrhagia.
You can have PCOS and not have ovarian cysts, despite the condition’s name that implies you must be polycystic. You may also have ovarian cysts and not have PCOS. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that commonly develop inside your ovaries during your monthly cycle. They cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain during your period or intercourse, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
When your androgen levels are high, you develop symptoms such as hair loss, acne, and dark hair growth (hirsutism). Women can often experience hair growth on the face, chest, and thighs. An estimated 70% of women with PCOS have hirsutism.
The hormonal imbalances that cause PCOS affect many different areas of your body. If you have PCOS, you have a higher risk of health problems such as:
PCOS is one of the top three causes of infertility.
Your Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, doctor customizes your treatment based on your overall health and your future pregnancy plans. You may control PCOS symptoms with birth control pills that regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce androgens.
Losing weight, if needed, makes a big difference. Dropping weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent or treat insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. If you have diabetes, medications to maintain healthy insulin levels can lower androgen levels and improve ovulation.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, your doctor first tries to restore ovulation through weight loss and medications. But if medications don’t help, you may need highly specialized surgery to temporarily increase spontaneous ovulation or assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization.
At the first sign of PCOS, call Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, or schedule an appointment online.
