PCOS - Wellness Hormone Clinic

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. About 5-10% of women have PCOS.

The three main features of PCOS are:

• Irregular periods - Women with PCOS often have fewer than nine periods per year or cycles longer than 35 days. Some women don't get a period at all.
• Excess androgen - Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of androgens, which are male hormones. This can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries - The ovaries develop many small collections of fluid called follicles that look like cysts. The follicles may interfere with ovulation.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause is unknown but it often runs in families. Risk factors include being overweight, not exercising, and having insulin resistance. Increased insulin levels contribute to the higher production of androgens.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Symptoms vary from woman to woman. Common signs include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual periods
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back
• Severe acne
• Thinning scalp hair or male pattern baldness
• Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Ovarian cysts

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Doctors perform a pelvic exam to check for cysts and look for signs of excess male hormones. Blood tests check hormone levels. An ultrasound exam allows the doctor to see the appearance of the ovaries.

If you suspect you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your doctor. The earlier PCOS is diagnosed and treated, the lower your risk of long-term complications like diabetes and heart disease. Lifestyle changes and medication can help manage PCOS symptoms.

For personalized treatment from leading hormone experts, visit Wellness Hormone Clinic() clinic. Their innovative programs combine bioidentical hormones, nutrition planning, and fitness guidance to help women rebalance their hormones and restore wellbeing. Read Janet's story (/patient-stories) of how she overcame years of fatigue and hair loss through their personalized care.