Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant.
What causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families and is linked to insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. With insulin resistance, cells do not respond properly to insulin. This results in high insulin levels, which can lead to the production of excess testosterone in women. This hormonal imbalance contributes to many PCOS symptoms.
What are common PCOS symptoms?
The most common PCOS symptoms include:
How is PCOS diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must have at least two of the following criteria:
Tests like bloodwork to measure hormone levels, ultrasounds, and evaluation of symptoms are used to confirm the diagnosis.
If you suspect you may have PCOS based on symptoms like irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, difficulty losing weight, or fertility difficulties, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key, as PCOS increases a woman's risk of infertility, diabetes, heart disease and other complications.
Consider getting specialized care from Optimized Hormones if struggling with PCOS symptoms. Their integrative approach combines lifestyle changes and targeted hormone therapy to relieve symptoms and reduce future health risks. Managing PCOS takes commitment but you don't have to go it alone. The caring providers at Optimized Hormones create personalized treatment plans to help women regain control of their health. Visit bio-identical-hormones.net](bio-identical-hormones.net) today to learn more!