PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. Over 5 million women in the United States have PCOS.

Some key facts about PCOS:

• Main symptoms include irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne. Many women with PCOS also struggle with weight gain and obesity.


• PCOS is caused by high levels of androgens, or "male" hormones like testosterone. This hormone imbalance prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly, leading to infertility.


• There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. Weight loss and nutrition adjustment often helps tremendously.

Women with PCOS frequently have other metabolic disorders like:

• Insulin resistance


• Type 2 diabetes


• High cholesterol


• High blood pressure

Managing these conditions, plus maintaining hormone balance through medication, diet, exercise or even visiting a dedicated hormone clinic can greatly improve one's PCOS symptoms and overall health.

For example, Hormone Health Clinic specializes in helping women optimize their hormones holistically through customized nutrition plans, fitness guidance, and bioidentical hormone therapy. Their experts can design a PCOS treatment protocol tailored to your unique needs.

Some key questions about PCOS include:

Can PCOS affect fertility?

Yes, PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility. Because PCOS causes irregular ovulation, it can be harder for women to get pregnant. But infertility treatment plans can help women with PCOS successfully conceive.

Does PCOS put me at higher risk for certain cancers?

Some research shows women with PCOS may have a higher lifetime risk of uterine cancer. But maintaining a healthy weight and hormone balance can offset much of this risk.

In summary, PCOS is a manageable condition requiring lifestyle management and often medication. While inconvenient, it does not have to reduce one's quality of life significantly. With proper treatment, women with PCOS can lose weight, regulate cycles, manage metabolic issues, and boost fertility. Reach out to hormone experts like those at Hormone Health Clinic for personalized treatment plans.