ABOUT PCOS
An Overview
Polycystic (pronounced pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a set of symptoms related to a hormonal imbalance that can affect women and girls of reproductive age.
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PCOS may cause menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, cysts in the ovaries, and infertility. Often, women with PCOS have problems with their metabolism. Depression and anxiety can also be associated with PCOS.
LIVING WITH PCOS
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment an
SYMPTOMS
PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, and can be mild to severe. Generally, women with PCOS experience irregular periods, excessive hair growth typically on the face, chest, or back, weight gain, thinning or loss of hair from the head, oily skin or acne. Many women also experience depression and anxiety. Infertility is also a common symptom.
DIAGNOSIS
It’s common for women to find out they have PCOS when they have trouble getting pregnant, but it often begins soon after the first menstrual period, sometimes as young as age 11 or 12. To determine if you have PCOS, your doctor will check that you have at least 2 of these 3 symptoms:
Irregular periods or no periods, caused from lack of ovulation
Higher than normal levels of male hormones that may result in excess hair on the face and body, acne, or thinning scalp hair
Multiple small cysts on the ovaries
TREATMENT
There is no cure for PCOS but many treatment options can help control its symptoms. PCOS can be managed through a combination of medicine (e.g. birth control, metformin, anti-depressants, anxiety medications, acne treatments) nutrition, and exercise. Talk to your doctor about your specific treatment plan.
WELLNESS
Living with PCOS can be challenging. The most effective way to manage PCOS is through lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and daily exercise are important to managing PCOS. Studies have shown that these lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of developing long term health problems, such as diabetes, stemming from PCOS.
