What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that commonly occurs in women of reproductive age. The condition is often characterized by excess levels of a male hormone called androgen. 

PCOS can cause unpleasant symptoms and complications when left untreated. At the first sign of a problem, see the experts at Bay Area Physicians for Women for an evaluation.

What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

The common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Prolonged menstrual periods
• Infrequent periods
• High androgen levels
• Excess facial or body hair
• Male-pattern baldness
• Severe acne
• Infertility 

Your ovaries could develop small fluid collections, become enlarged, or not release eggs regularly, making it difficult for you to get pregnant. Carrying excess body weight might make your symptoms more severe.

When left untreated, complications that could develop because of PCOS include pregnancy problems, severe liver inflammation, high blood pressure or cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, sleep apnea, or mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, etc.).

Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop near the time of the first period in women or in response to excess weight gain. 

What are the risk factors for PCOS?

The causes and risk factors that increase your chance of PCOS include:

• Excess body weight
• Family history of PCOS
• Excess insulin production
• Excess androgen production
• Low-grade inflammation

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t entirely clear. Maintaining a healthy body weight could decrease your chance of developing PCOS or make your symptoms less severe. However, there’s no surefire way to prevent PCOS if you’re at risk of it.

How does my doctor diagnose PCOS?

To find out if you have PCOS and develop a treatment plan, your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider asks about your medical history and symptoms. 

They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to evaluate your reproductive organs. Your OB/GYN specialist may also order blood tests or an ultrasound.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

Your personalized PCOS treatment plan could include:

Lifestyle changes

To decrease symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, start by reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise. Limit your carbohydrate intake to control your insulin levels.

Hormone treatments 

Birth control pills and other hormone treatments can reduce common symptoms of PCOS.

Infertility treatments

Bay Area Physicians for Women offers a variety of infertility treatments that increase your chance of becoming pregnant. 

Acne and hair-removal treatments

Your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider may suggest acne or hair-removal treatments to clear up your skin and get rid of excess facial or body hair.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome; that’s why your OB/GYN specialist personalizes each treatment plan to match your needs.

To find out if you have polycystic ovary syndrome or get treated for it, call the Bay Area Physicians for Women office or use the online scheduler today.