Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries.
PCOS causes hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems; it may lead to infertility.
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 adults with ovaries.
StÃgur Már Karlsson /Heimsmyndir/ Getty Images
PCOS often causes irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and infertility.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for PCOS.
Additional symptoms of PCOS include:
What Are the First Signs of PCOS?
The first sign of PCOS is usually irregular periods.
You may notice missed periods.
People with PCOS may also experience menstrual cycles that are longer or shorter than average.
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but researchers have identified several risk factors.
People with PCOS tend to have high levels ofandrogens, hormones usually associated with the male sex.
Having a high level of androgens may prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
High androgen levels may also lead to facial hair growth and acne.
People with PCOS are also more likely to haveinsulin resistancewhen the bodys cells do not typically respond to insulin.
This results in higher levels of insulin as the body tries to control the blood sugar level.
Excess weight, lack of physical activity, and a family history of diabetes are also PCOS risk factors.
Weight Loss
Obesity or being overweight is a risk factor for PCOS.
If you have this risk factor, losing weight could significantly improve your symptoms.
Lifestyle changes that help with weight loss include healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Weight losshas been linked to lower blood glucose and insulin levels and improved hormonal balance.
A 10% reduction in body weight can lead to more regular menstrual periods and improved fertility.
Be sure to use a gentle cream specifically made for facial hair.
you’re able to also slow the growth of facial and body hair.
Talk with a healthcare provider about a topical prescription cream like Vaniqua (eflornithine).
PCOS surgery is known asovarian drilling.
This then leads to lower androgen levels and increases the odds of ovulation.
Ovarian drilling aims to increase the chances of ovulation occurring each month.
It is only used in people struggling with fertility and who have already tried lifestyle changes and medications.
To lower your risk of complications during pregnancy, it is best to start preparing before you become pregnant.
Work with a healthcare provider to maintain a healthy weight and control blood sugar.
It is also important to start taking a folic acid supplement as well.
Increasing Fertility Odds With PCOS
PCOS is a common cause of infertility, but it is treatable.
The hormonal imbalances that characterize PCOS affect your bodys ability to ovulate.
Withoutovulation, your body cannot release an egg for fertilization and become pregnant.
Both aMediterranean dietand theDASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diethave been found to improve PCOS symptoms.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes.
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MedlinePlus.PCOS | Polycystic ovary syndrome.
