PCOS Specialist

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance in your reproductive hormones that causes cysts to form on your ovaries. Normally, your ovaries prepare and release an egg every month, which is what creates your menstrual cycle. This cycle is largely controlled by your hormones, which are produced by your ovaries.

With PCOS, your ovaries produce more androgen (the hormone typically associated with male characteristics), which throws your estrogen off, affecting the proper development and release of your eggs. As a result, follicles (small collections of fluid) form on your ovaries, creating cysts.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

With PCOS, the symptoms vary depending on which aspect of your body is affected most by the hormonal imbalance. For example, the increase in androgen that’s often the hallmark of PCOS causes:

• Acne
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Growth of unwanted hair on your face, back, and chest

Since PCOS affects your egg production and release, creating cysts on your ovaries, symptoms develop in this area, including irregular periods and fertility issues. In fact, PCOS is the leading driver behind infertility in women.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery, but researchers have uncovered several links to:

• Genetics
• Insulin resistance (or high levels of insulin)
• Obesity

While the research continues, the doctors at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN do have a number of treatments that help manage the condition.

How is PCOS treated?

Since there’s no identifiable cause of PCOS, there’s no magic bullet when it comes to a cure. There is, however, a lot the team at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN can do to help you manage the symptoms and complications, including:

Hormones

Since PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, the first course of action is the regulation of your hormones. The doctors at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN do this through hormonal contraceptives.

Medications

To combat the unwanted effects of the androgen, your doctor may prescribe an anti-androgen medication.

Lifestyle changes

Since PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes, there are several things you can do on your own to combat PCOS, including exercising more, maintaining a good weight, and eating better.

The doctors at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN have considerable combined experience helping women with PCOS. To learn more, call or book an appointment online.