PCOS - Hormone Wellness Center

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. An estimated 5-10% of women have PCOS, making it one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age.

The key features of PCOS include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles - Women with PCOS often have infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles due to hormone imbalances
• Excess androgen levels - Elevated levels of male hormones like testosterone are commonly seen, leading to symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth, acne, and baldness
• Polycystic ovaries - The ovaries develop many small collections of fluid called follicles that fail to regularly release eggs

While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS seems to run in families and research shows it's related to abnormal hormone levels. Factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetics likely play a role in its development.

Common PCOS Symptoms

In addition to the key diagnostic features, PCOS has several other common symptoms including:

• Weight gain and obesity
• Darkening skin patches
• Skin tags
• Pelvic pain
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep apnea

Many symptoms can vary from mild to severe between individuals. The syndrome also increases a woman's risk for serious long-term health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Since PCOS has such a wide range of possible symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis can take time. There's no single test, but findings that support a PCOS diagnosis include:

• Blood tests showing higher androgen/male hormone levels
• Ultrasounds revealing 12 or more follicles on each ovary
• Irregular menstrual cycles and absence of ovulation

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