What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women during their childbearing years. This gynecological condition causes prolonged menstruation and high levels of androgens (male hormones).
In most cases, your ovaries develop follicles or small collections of fluid that inhibit the proper release of eggs.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Enlarged polycystic ovaries containing follicles that surround the eggs
- Prolonged, infrequent, or irregular menstruation and abnormally heavy menstruation
- High levels of male hormones that can cause moderate to severe acne, baldness, and excess facial and body hair
Symptoms of PCOS generally occur during puberty or the first menstrual cycle, but can also develop later. The condition may also make you more likely to gain weight due to the hormonal imbalance.
If left untreated, PCOS can lead to complications such as:
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Liver inflammation
- Endometrial cancer
- Anxiety and depression
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Metabolic syndrome and sleep apnea
- Infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS isn’t definitive, but the following factors are believed to play a part:
Excess insulin
Your pancreas produces the insulin hormone. Insulin allows your cells to use sugar as one of your body’s sources of energy.
Over time, cells can become resistant to insulin, and your blood sugar levels rise. In response, your body produces more insulin to compensate for this spike. High amounts of insulin can impact ovulation and increase androgen production.
Low-grade inflammation and excess androgen
Higher amounts of white blood cells produce substances to fight infection. This is known as low-grade inflammation, and with time it can lead to polycystic ovaries and excess androgen production in some women.
It’s also possible to have high levels of androgen hormones for reasons that remain unclear.
Genetics
Certain genes have been linked to the development of PCOS.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
If Dr. Das suspects you might have PCOS, she may use any of the following to help make an accurate diagnosis:
- Pelvic exam
- Physical exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Blood tests and lab work
- Discussion of medical history
How is PCOS treated?
Dr. Das provides effective treatments and offers a variety of options to manage your PCOS, including:
- Medications
- Weight loss, if needed
- Exercise to reduce androgen production
- Nutrition, such as a nutrient-dense diet low in carbs to regulate insulin
- Contraception, which may include a combination of birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen
Dr. Das can alleviate acne, pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility, and other symptoms and complications associated with PCOS. To learn more, call or use online booking to schedule an appointment.
