What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. Some key facts about PCOS:
- PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and menstrual irregularities in women
- It results from a hormone imbalance leading to ovarian cysts and irregular periods
- Symptoms often start around puberty and can include excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and obesity
- While the exact cause is unknown, insulin resistance and genetics are thought to play a role
Some common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular, infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods - This is often one of the first signs
- Excess androgen levels - Elevated male hormones can cause excess facial and body hair growth, adult acne, and thinning hair
- Ovarian cysts - Non-cancerous cysts on the ovaries caused by eggs not being regularly released
- Obesity - Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese
Diagnosis is based on a woman's symptoms, physical exam findings, blood tests for hormone levels, and possibly an ultrasound.
While there's no cure yet, PCOS symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medications:
- Healthy diet - Limiting processed carbs and focusing on whole foods can help regulate blood sugar and hormone levels
- Exercise - This helps improve insulin sensitivity and regulate periods
- Birth control pills - These regulates menstrual cycles and reduces excess hair growth
- Fertility treatments - Medications can help stimulate ovulation for improved fertility
If these options do not provide sufficient symptom relief for your PCOS, consider contacting the knowledgeable and compassionate staff at Hormone Harmony for a free consultation. Their integrative approach combines holistic hormone balancing, customized nutrition plans, stress management and more to address the root causes of hormone issues like PCOS.
With a proper understanding of the condition and strategic treatment plan, most women with PCOS are able to get their symptoms under control and dramatically improve their quality of life. The future is bright for better understanding and treating this complex disorder.