So, you have a friend who has PCOS or maybe you’ve read about PCOS. You think you may have it too, but…
What exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is a hormonal imbalance in women that causes too many male-type hormones and irregular or absent periods.
About 10% of women will be diagnosed with PCOS, but many women struggle to get an accurate diagnosis.
Women with PCOS are also at increased risk of other health problems.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS can sometimes be diagnosed based upon symptoms alone, but other times lab tests (blood work) and/or an ultrasound of the ovaries may be needed. Symptoms of PCOS include abnormal hair growth (on the face, chest, and/or abdomen), acne, and thinning hair on the head, especially at the crown (top) or hairline.
Abnormal periods due to not ovulating (releasing an egg from the ovary) regularly is another major symptom. For most women, periods are very irregular or even absent, but other women may have prolonged or frequent periods.
If I have PCOS, what treatment options are available?
Many treatments are available for PCOS including medications to regulate menstrual periods such as progesterone, birth control pills, and birth control rings. It isn’t safe to go prolonged periods of time without having a period if you are not on hormonal birth control as this can increase the risk of cancer and precancer in the lining of the uterus. Therefore is you are going long periods of time without a cycle, something may need to be done to protect your uterine lining even if you do not want to be on the pill.
There are also medications to treat symptoms of too many male-type hormones such as acne, abnormal hair growth, and hair loss on the head. Birth control pills can help with these symptoms, but sometimes other medications that work to lower testosterone levels are also needed.
Is PCOS making me gain weight or making it more difficult for me to lose weight?
Between 40 and 85% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and most of these women suffer from insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when your body does not respond correctly to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for sugar metabolism. This causes your body to make more and more insulin, which can eventually lead to prediabetes and diabetes.
Insulin resistance can cause weight gain or make it very difficult to lose weight. Medications such as metformin can be used to treat insulin resistance and can make it easier to lose weight. Metformin can also make your ovaries work better (regulate periods) and decrease male hormone levels.
What should I do now if I still think I may have PCOS?
If you have symptoms consistent with PCOS, you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. I welcome patients to my virtual clinic in states where I am licensed. I can evaluate for PCOS and treat patients for this condition, including weight loss medications where indicated and desired.
Have a question for me or an idea for my blog?
You can email me at drjacquelynstone@gmail.com.
Jackie Stone, MD
Comentarios