Common Signs
Not all PCOS sufferers have obvious symptoms, and many don’t
realize they have the condition until they have difficulty getting pregnant. In
fact, it’s the most
common cause of infertility in the U.S., according to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While it is possible to become pregnant with
PCOS, it is often more challenging since ovulation is infrequent and hard to
predict.
Having at least two of the following three signs is a strong
indication of PCOS:
1.
Irregular menstrual cycle: going more than 40 days between periods
or missing them completely. Periods may be very heavy when they do occur.
2.
Evidence of excess androgens (so-called “male” hormones): acne on your
back, chest and face, and excess hair growth on your face, torso and arms).
3.
Enlarged or polycystic ovaries as seen on ultrasound. The higher
levels of androgens prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and may cause
small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to form.
Other common signs of PCOS include:
·
Dark patches on the skin, especially around the armpits, groin,
neck and under the breasts
·
Being overweight or obese
·
Skin tags
·
Hair loss or thinning
Diagnosis
While we don’t know what causes the condition, factors that appear
to play a role in PCOS include genetics, insulin resistance that causes the
ovaries to produce more androgens, and low-grade inflammation.
A PCOS diagnosis typically includes your women’s health provider taking
a medical history, discussing your symptoms and performing a medical
examination that includes a pelvic exam. Your provider will also order a pelvic
ultrasound and blood tests to check your levels of androgen hormones, glucose
(to determine insulin resistance), C-reactive protein and white blood cells (to
detect inflammation).
Treatment and Management
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, you and your provider will talk
about the best ways to treat your condition based on its severity, symptoms and
your goals. For instance, if you want to become pregnant, options can include
medications to induce ovulation or procedures like in vitro fertilization
(IVF). If you don’t want to become pregnant, hormonal birth control or
medications to block androgens or address insulin resistance can be helpful.
For those who are overweight or obese, losing weight can have an impact on
symptoms and their severity.
While most women who have the condition and get pregnant have
successful pregnancies, there is an increased risk of gestational diabetes,
preeclampsia, high blood pressure, preterm birth and Cesarean section
(C-section).
PCOS can also increase your risk of other health conditions, so
diagnosis and management are important regardless of your desire to become pregnant.
Research indicates that PCOS can also increase your risk of diabetes, high
blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, endometrial
hyperplasia (precancerous thickening of the uterine lining), sleep disorders,
depression and anxiety.
We have expertise in helping our patients successfully manage this
common condition. If you are having
trouble getting pregnant or if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS,
contact
us to schedule an appointment.
