PCOS - Rejuvenate Clinic

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. It is estimated that up to 10% of women have PCOS, making it one of the most prevalent hormonal conditions.

The main signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles - This includes infrequent, absent, heavy, or unpredictable periods. Most women with PCOS have fewer than eight menstrual cycles per year.
• Excess androgen levels - Women with PCOS often have higher than normal levels of male hormones like testosterone. This can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, scalp hair thinning, and acne.
• Ovarian cysts - The ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid called cysts. These are benign but can cause pelvic pain in some cases.

PCOS has links to reduced fertility, higher insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mood issues like depression and anxiety, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer.

What causes PCOS? While the exact cause is unknown, it likely involves a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors like obesity that affect hormones and metabolism. There are also links between PCOS, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Diagnosis is done based on a woman's signs/symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and blood tests to evaluate androgen and sugar levels. Pelvic ultrasounds can help detect ovarian cysts.

Treatment options depend on the woman's symptoms and plans for pregnancy:

• Lifestyle changes - Weight loss through diet/exercise helps manage PCOS symptoms and reduce related health risks.
• Birth control pills - Used to regulate menstrual cycles, treat excess hair growth, and help clear acne.
• Fertility medications - Like clomiphene or injectables to induce ovulation for women trying to conceive.
• Metformin and other insulin-sensitizing drugs - For women with insulin resistance and diabetes risk. Can aid fertility too.
• Anti-androgens - Medications that counteract high testosterone's effects. Example - spironolactone.

With appropriate lifestyle interventions and medical management, many women with PCOS can achieve regulation of their menstrual cycles, improve related conditions like acne and hair growth changes, successfully conceive, and lower their long-term health risks.