Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Q & A

What causes PCOS?

Although the cause of PCOS is not known, it appears that PCOS may be related to many different factors working together. These factors include insulin resistance, increased levels of hormones called androgens, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The PCOS symptoms you’ll experience vary based on how severe your condition is. Common PCOS signs and symptoms you may notice include:

Irregular menstrual periods – Menstrual disorders can include absent periods, periods that occur infrequently or too frequently, heavy periods, or unpredictable periods.
Infertility – PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
Obesity – Up to 80% of women with PCOS are obese.
Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen or upper thighs – This condition, called hirsutism, affects more than 70% of women with PCOS.
Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence and does not respond to usual treatments.
Oily skin.
Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin called acanthosis nigricans.
Multiple small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.

If you have PCOS, you have an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. PCOS is more common among women with a family history of PCOS and those who are obese.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, Dr. Reddy and her team may complete the following steps to diagnose your condition:

A physical examination
Blood tests
A pelvic exam
Ultrasound

During a pelvic exam, Dr. Reddy inspects your reproductive organs to look for growths, masses, and other abnormalities. She may order blood tests to check hormone levels, glucose tolerance, and triglycerides or blood cholesterol. She uses vaginal ultrasound to view the inside of your uterus and ovaries.

How is PCOS treated?

There isn’t a cure for PCOS, but Dr. Reddy lets you know how to control symptoms and treat complications PCOS may cause. If you’re overweight, she offers diet and exercise advice to help you achieve a healthy weight, as a 5% weight loss may improve PCOS symptoms.

Dr. Reddy may prescribe birth control pills or other medications to normalize hormone levels, help you ovulate, improve menstrual irregularities, and reduce excessive hair growth.

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant as a result of PCOS, Dr. Reddy may recommend one or more of the following infertility treatments:

Infertility medications
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Minimally invasive surgeries

If you have PCOS, you can still lead a normal, healthy life. When you’re ready to find out if you have PCOS or ease symptoms associated with it, call Alpha OBGYN today, or use the online scheduling tool.