PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a disorder that can affect women of childbearing age. It causes a variety of symptoms, including:

Menstrual problems

PCOS often develops when you start menstruating. You may have irregular or infrequent periods, or your periods may last longer than normal.

Elevated androgens

Androgens are male sex hormones that women normally have in small quantities. Excessive amounts cause hirsutism (the growth of facial and body hair), acne, and male-pattern baldness.

Insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone your body uses to metabolize sugar. If your cells are resistant to insulin, your blood sugar levels can increase, which not only leads to diabetes but could trigger excess androgen production.

Reproductive problems

Your ovaries may become enlarged and develop multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs). The ovaries might not be able to produce healthy eggs at regular intervals, leading to infertility.

Weight issues

PCOS may develop after a significant weight gain. The condition can also make it difficult to lose weight and cause weight fluctuations and obesity.

What complications can PCOS cause?

Untreated PCOS can lead to some significant health problems. These include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Endometrial cancer
• Gestational diabetes
• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (severe liver inflammation)
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders

PCOS also increases your risk of developing heart disease. That is because you're more likely to get metabolic syndrome when you have PCOS, a combination of high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

What treatments are available for PCOS?

As PCOS is chronic, the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team focuses on relieving your symptoms and addressing any complications that arise.

Medications containing the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone help decrease the production of androgens and regulate your estrogen levels. Rebalancing your hormones in this way addresses common symptoms of PCOS like acne and hirsutism, as well as lowering your risk of endometrial cancer.

You can take the combination birth control pill, which contains both female hormones, or use an alternative like a patch or vaginal ring. Another option may be bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Other drugs like gonadotropins, which help balance your hormone levels, and metformin, which decreases insulin resistance, can also be helpful in treating PCOS.

What can I do if PCOS is causing fertility problems?

If you're having difficulties conceiving because of PCOS, your provider at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology might prescribe medications to help. Examples include letrozole to stimulate your ovaries or clomiphene to help you ovulate.

If you're suffering from some of the symptoms of PCOS, get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment before you develop any complications. Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online today.